BUCYRUS — Opening arguments in the jury trial for Joshua Benedict were delayed while visiting Judge Howard Hall ironed out the potential effects of an article posted late last evening by Crawford County Now. Hall held the hearing outside the presence of the jury.

Yesterday, Crawford County Now received an anonymous tip that a Tier I sex offender was assisting in the jury selection process.

Howard noted that Ryan Tanner, a paralegal for defense counsel Adam Stone was indeed an active registrant on the offender registry in Crawford County. Howard noted that Tanner had spent time incarcerated and had done everything required of him. Hall also confirmed that Tanner was assisting at the defense table during jury selection.

Stone (who had represented Tanner in his case) told the court he did not want Benedict to suffer for a choice he made. He said that Benedict knew Tanner’s record and agreed to his assistance in the case. Stone said he has employed Tanner for a year and a half. He told the court that Tanner has amazing resolve and can communicate effectively with Benedict. He also noted that since losing his teaching license, Tanner had advanced his education to paralegal studies.

Hall then asked Benedict how he felt about Stone’s ability to effectively represent him.

“I am frustrated and sickened by what happened last night (CCN article). It was formed to hinder our argument, but I don’t feel it hinders Adam’s defense.” Benedict said.

Assistant Prosecutor Ryan Hoovler told the court that he disagreed with Benedict’s accusation regarding the intent of the article.
“There was no involvement of the state that led to this article. The author of the article contacted the state for a comment, and we offered no comment,” Hoovler said.

It was concluded that the article was not seen by any of the jurors or alternate jurors.

Both sides agreed to move forward to opening arguments.
If convicted on multiple counts of pandering sexually oriented material involving a minor, Benedict, 40, could spend the rest of his life in prison.

Tier 1 sex offender assists in Benedict jury selection – Crawford County Now