BUCYRUS — Robert Skaggs of Garrison, Kentucky appeared in Crawford County Common Pleas Court on Wednesday for a scheduled fourth pretrial.
Skaggs, 44, was originally scheduled to appear for the pretrial on April 1. Skaggs’ attorney, Michael Siewert, appeared on his behalf and told the court that Skaggs was displaying symptoms of COVID-19. He said he had a video in which Skaggs showed a thermometer display a 104-degree temperature.
Also present in the hearing was Gina Powell, a representative AA American Bail Bonds of Galion, who was seeking to revoke Skaggs’ bond because he had not kept her informed of his residence.
Common Pleas Court Judge Sean Leuthold decided to err on the side of caution and set the final pretrial for Wednesday. This time Skaggs appeared in court with his attorney.
As is routine in cases where bond is granted, a drug test was given to Skaggs prior to the hearing. Skaggs tested positive for meth and methamphetamines.
“I had lots of suspicions when I heard about the virus symptoms,” Leuthold said. “Also, the bonding agent was here because Mr. Skaggs was not in contact with her regarding his residence. For these reasons I am revoking the bond and ordering Mr. Skaggs taken into custody to be held without bond.”
In a final attempt to keep his client free, Siewert asked the court to allow Skaggs to remain free to fight his case. The request was denied. Skaggs was originally charged with possession of drugs, a fifth-degree felony punishable with up to one year in prison. Skaggs turned down previous plea offers in the case.