BUCYRUS — David Chatman of Galion appeared in Crawford County Common Pleas Court Thursday to ask the court for a new attorney. Chatman has been represented by Bucyrus attorney Andrew Motter.
Chatman, 31, was scheduled to stand trial in September on one count of rape, a first-degree felony. The alleged victim was six years old. Because of the age of the victim, if Chatman is found guilty, he could serve life in prison without the possibility of parole.
Common Pleas Court Judge Sean Leuthold told Chatman he could easily deny the request.
“Usually it’s one and done. But in cases where there are extremely long prison terms possible, I will allow one change,” Leuthold said.
Columbus attorney, Carlos Crawford, agreed to meet with Chatman and discuss the possibility of representing him. After a brief recess and discussion with Chatman, Crawford took his case.
Due to matters of discovery and a new attorney assigned to the case, Leuthold said he understood that a continuance of Chatman’s trial would be necessary to allow Crawford to prepare for his defense.
In other court action, Brandan Stidham, 30, of Galion was sentenced to 36 months in prison after he pleaded guilty to one count of domestic violence, a third-degree felony punishable with up to 36 months in prison. Stidham was ordered to have no contact with the victim in the case. The state did not rule out the possibility of a judicial release after some time served in prison.
Lisa Grochowalski, 42, of Bucyrus pleaded guilty to violating the terms and conditions of her community control. Grochowalski was sentenced to one year in prison in May after she pleaded guilty to two counts of non-support, each a fifth-degree felony punishable with up to 12 months in prison. She was granted judicial release in July and was placed on five years of community control.
According to probation officer Chris Heydinger, Grochowalski tested positive for cocaine during a routine drug test and admitted to consuming alcohol.
Leuthold imposed 12 months on each count of felony non-support for a total of 24 months in prison. She will receive credit for jail time served. Leuthold said he would not oppose transitional control if the prison requested it.