BUCYRUS, OH (CRAWFORD COUNTY NOW)—Finley Foust Jr. was sentenced today to 16 to 20 years in prison following his conviction on domestic violence charges.
The sentence, handed down by Crawford County Common Pleas Court Judge Sean Leuthold, marks the conclusion of a case that prosecutors say was complicated by significant efforts to silence the victim.
Assistant Prosecuting Attorney Daniel Stanley expressed satisfaction with the outcome, emphasizing that the duration of the sentence reflects both the defendant’s criminal history and the gravity of the jury’s verdict.
“We are very appreciative of the lengthy sentence Judge Leuthold gave Finley Foust Jr. today,” Stanley said. “For what he did in his past, and for what he was convicted by a jury of his peers of, 16 to 20 years is a sentence that should serve well to punish him and to send a message to other domestic violence offenders and their enablers.”
Assistant Prosecutor Dan Stanley highlighted the challenges faced in securing a conviction. According to Stanley, the victim was pressured to recant her initial testimony following the first violent incident. Investigators determined that the victim had been coerced by Foust’s mother and niece, alongside threats and manipulation from Foust himself.
In the wake of the sentencing, Stanley issued a strong message to other victims of domestic violence, urging them to seek help from law enforcement rather than attempting to protect their abusers.
“We want to say to all victims of domestic violence: we understand how emotionally and personally difficult these situations are,” Stanley said. “We understand the coercion and manipulation that exists in these relationships. We are here to ensure that you, and your children, are safe.”
Stanley warned that victims who alter their accounts to “help” an abuser often inadvertently empower them. “Please, never falsely change your story in order to ‘help’ your abuser,” he added. “They will use it against you when they do hurt you again, and they will. Every. Time. Come to us, at the prosecutor’s offices and law enforcement, and feel safe that we are looking out for you.” Stanley said.