By Kathy Laird
A Columbus woman facing drug possession charges in Bucyrus quickly learned about how the system works in Judge Sean Leuthold’s Common Pleas Courtroom on Wednesday.
Donna Ridgway, 38, of Columbus appeared in court with her court-appointed attorney Tani Eyer. The case was scheduled for a change of plea on a fourth-degree felony. Ridgway was on a personal recognizance bond in the case.
In a previously unplanned move, Ridgeway informed her attorney that she would not take a plea deal and decided to take her case before a jury. One condition of her bond was that she was not use drugs or drink alcohol.
As a condition of continuing her bond, Ridgway was given a drug and alcohol urinalysis. While her system was clean of drugs, there was a faint line indicating the use of alcohol. Ridgway admitted to drinking but said the last time she drank was on New Year’s Eve. Judge Leuthold expressed his doubt that alcohol consumed ten days ago would still register on a test.
“I believe there has been ongoing use of alcohol,” Leuthold said.
Leuthold heard arguments from Crawford County Assistant Prosecutor Ryan Hoovler and Eyer regarding the continuing of bond.
“Your honor, I would remind the court that we had to issue a warrant for failure to appear on this case,” Hoovler said. “The state would ask for a $75,000 bond.”
Eyer pleaded for a continued personal recognizance bond noting that her client had kept all appointments since being placed on bond.
“She is not a flight risk and I believe that this is a minor violation. Alcohol is regularly a part of New Year’s Eve and New Year’s Day celebrations.” Said Eyer.
Noting that her use of alcohol was indeed a violation of the bond, Leuthold did not agree to a $75,000.00 bond but set bond at $25,000.00 and ordered Ridgway taken into custody.
In other court proceedings, 21-year-old Brandon Borders of Mansfield received a non-typical sentence after meetings between Hoovler, Borders’ court-appointed attorney Jeff Stoll and Leuthold.
Borders violated the terms and conditions of his community control Aug.1, when he behaved in a disorderly manner at the Crazy Fox Bar in Bucyrus and then returned to the establishment after he was told to stay away.
Borders was facing a maximum sentence of 36 months in prison if convicted of the violation, however, in an effort to serve justice with mercy, Leuthold made a different ruling. Stoll decided to help his client above and beyond reasonable means.
Noting that Borders was developmentally disabled, Stoll took on the responsibility of being Borders’ guardian and is currently seeking placement for Borders in a group home. Until that placement can be made, Borders will live with his grandmother.
Leuthold applauded Stoll for going such a distance to help a client.
“Your attorney cares deeply about you Mr. Borders and I consider him a foremost expert in this area,” Leuthold said. “I am going to follow this recommendation with some conditions.”
He ordered Borders to be on a curfew. He is allowed out from 8 a.m. – 8 p.m., but must be at home in his grandmother’s house by 8 p.m. nightly with no exceptions.
Leuthold ordered Borders’ probation officer, Eric Bohach, to physically check on him at least two times per week to make sure Borders is complying.
“We have a mitigating factor here that makes me very hesitant to send Mr. Borders to prison. I’m responsible to keep the community safe, but also for Mr. Border’s safety,” Leuthold said. “Prison keeps everybody safe but Mr. Borders. He would not do well in prison. I think a group home setting will accomplish that in a humane manner.”
Leuthold told Borders that he must behave and control his anger.
According to the jail commander, Borders has been well behaved while incarcerated.
“I know you can do this,” Leuthold said. “Please don’t make me, Mr. Hoovler and Mr. Stoll regret this decision.”
Leuthold then ordered Borders to be released to his grandmother’s care but told the family he will be watching and overseeing this matter until there is a group home located for Borders.
In another hearing, Leuthold gave a Bucyrus man a chance at receiving bond by advising him to silently take the ruling.
Jason Cox, 37, was in court to answer to one count of theft.
It was alleged that Cox, an employee of a small carpet cleaning business, stole Hydrocodone from a customer while he was in a residence cleaning carpets.
After an investigation Cox admitted stealing the drugs because he said he had a toothache. Hoovler agreed to a personal reconnaissance bond because Cox had no prior record.
As a condition of the potential bond Cox had to take a drug test. The test came back clean and Leuthold was about to grant the bond when Cox asked to speak to the court.
“I work for a small company and they need me. I still work for them and I had a toothache,” Cox said.
Leuthold cut Cox off.
“Stop talking before you talk yourself back into a jail cell,” Leuthold said. “You are about to snatch defeat from the jaws of victory.”
Leuthold allowed the bond and ordered Cox released. Cox also was ordered to have no contact with the victim.