By Kathy Laird
On the run after allegedly committing several aggressive acts of violence, Jeremy Lewis, 43, of Bucyrus was apprehended in Mansfield over the weekend.
Lewis was transferred to Crawford County and was arraigned by Judge Sean Leuthold in Crawford County Common Pleas Court.
The eight-count indictment alleges that on Feb. 22, Lewis allegedly engaged in what Judge Leuthold called a “one man crime spree.”
It is alleged that Lewis held a woman against her will, harmed her with a hatchet and a knife, resulting in a first-degree charge for kidnapping, three second-degree charges for felonies assault and a domestic violence charge.
A fourth second-degree charge for felonious assault was placed against Lewis for attacking a man. The victim was taken by medical helicopter to a Columbus area hospital for treatment.
Lewis also was indicted on a second-degree felony charge for burglary. Lewis is accused of stealing an X-Box from a residence on Hull Street.
According to Crawford County Prosecutor Matt Crall, the female victim initially was afraid to contact police, but after some discussion, went to law enforcement. The victim told the prosecution that Lewis held her in her home for more than two weeks.
He reportedly broke her phone in an effort to make it impossible for her to seek help. She was assaulted in various ways during her captivity. At one point the victim alleges that Lewis cut her face with a knife and hit her in the head with a hatchet.
In an effort to escape, the victim told Lewis she had to keep a doctor’s appointment. She thought Lewis was taking her to the doctor when he instead took her to the residences of people he believed she was involved with. At one point, according to the victim, Lewis strangled her into unconsciousness.
Leuthold listened to Lewis’ lengthy record being reviewed in court. His record includes, escape (1996), failure to comply (1997), resisting arrest (1997), domestic violence (1999), illegal possession of chemicals to manufacture drugs (2003), possession of drugs (2014), having weapons while under disability (2015), failure to comply (2016).
Lewis currently is on post-release control with Richland County. Noting that all this was done since his release from prison approximately three months ago, Crall asked for a $1 million bond.
Leuthold ordered the bond as requested.
Noting that the alleged crimes were of extreme violence Leuthold told Lewis, “I have to protect society from you if indeed these allegations are proven.”
Leuthold appointed Bucyrus attorney Andrew Motter to defend Lewis.