BUCYRUS—Tony Chatman, 43, of Bucyrus, appeared in Crawford County Common Pleas Court on Wednesday for a bond hearing.
Chatman is charged with two counts of tampering with evidence, each third-degree felonies and each punishable with up to 36 months in prison.
Chatman was released on a posted bond of $35,000.00 when he appeared in court and was required to take a urine drug test. Chatman was unable to supply a sample before his attorney Tom Nicholson left the building. Chatman was taken into custody until a sample could be tested. Chatman did produce a sample before he left the courthouse and was returned to the Crawford County Jail. That test was sent to a lab for confirmation.
In the meantime, Chatman was able to produce another sample at the jail. That result was negative, and he was then released.
According to probation officer Kylie Sinclair, the lab-tested urine was returned with a finding of positive for meth, methamphetamines, and ecstasy.
Assistant Prosecutor Ryan Hoovler told the court that since the day he was incarcerated, Chatman has been on suicide watch. Hoovler said Chatman has refused to speak with a counselor or any mental health professional. Hoovler said Chatman’s behavior is inconsistent with meth and other heavy drug use.
Hoovler argued that for Chatman’s own safety, a cash bond of $150,000.00 was necessary.
Chatman’s attorney, Tom Nicholson, contended that his client believes the drug test was erroneous.
“There’s not enough time here to get into all the issues here,” Nicholson said.
Crawford County Common Pleas Court Judge Sean Leuthold told Nicholson to take all the time he needed to explain his position on bond.
Nicholson said his client, who had retained him, wanted a hair follicle or blood test to settle the issue of his drug use. He said his client could pay for the testing.
“This all started as an alleged domestic violence charge made by a female who doesn’t even live with my client. They’re each going to say the drugs ( found at the residence) belong to the other. This is an interesting case until my client is taken to jail.” Nicholson said.
Nicholson went on to explain that the state is claiming Chatman had fake urine at the jail, which is why he was released after passing their urine screen.
“My client was only at the jail because of the allegations by a woman who doesn’t even live with him. There is no domestic violence.” Nicholson said, hinting that the case is weak.
In light of those details and the fact that his client has tested negative for drugs while out on bond, Nicholson asked that the bond remains at the original of $35,000.00 set previously.
Judge Leuthold told Nicholson to file a motion with the court for a hair follicle or blood test, and he would take it into consideration.
Considering all factors, Judge Leuthold said he was most concerned about Chatman’s mental health and safety. Leuthold combined the two cases into one bond and raised it to $75,000.00.