By Kathy Laird
CCN correspondent
BUCYRUS — Russell Mott, 66, of Crestline was arraigned via video in Crawford County Common Pleas Court on Monday. Mott was charged with illegal cultivation of marijuana after a growing operation was discovered on his property. The felony is a second-degree felony punishable by up to eight years in prison.
Mott was also charged with using weapons under disability, a third-degree felony, punishable with up to 36 months in prison. In addition, Mott’s grandson was present in the home.
While interrogating Mott for bond purposes, Judge Sean Leuthold asked Mott who the child was. Mott explained that he was raising his grandson.
“His mother is a heroin addict and I’m working hard to give him a stable home,” Mott said.
“I hope you see the irony in the statement you just made,” Leuthold said.
A woman in the gallery tried to speak to Leuthold, but he quickly admonished her, stating, “People in the gallery do not get to talk!”
Mott was represented in court by his attorney, Robert Whitney, who explained to the court that Mott is well established in the county and is not a flight risk. Bond was set at $50,000 which Mott posted later in the day.
Katherine Villavicencio, 43, of Nevada is headed to prison for 12 months after violating the terms and conditions of her community control. Villavicencio tested positive for methamphetamines during a routine drug screen.
As Judge Leuthold administered the sentence, he said he had compassion for Villavicencio.
“Your husband was a bad guy and I put him in prison for 14 years,” Leuthold said. “I know you have been victimized and have health issues. This drug use is pushing you down a road from which you cannot recover. At 43, you are old enough to change and you must change, or you will be dead.”
Leuthold told Villavicencio that when she comes out of prison he intends to put her into his ISAT (Intensive Supervision and Treatment) Program.
“I want to help you, and this is the best treatment program,” Leuthold said. “You have to take control of your life and work a program for the sake of your children. You could have a long and happy life, or you could end up in jail or dead.”
Jerry Lee Hoskins II, 20, of Bucyrus got an attitude adjustment from Leuthold. Hoskins appeared to plead guilty to a violating the terms and conditions of his participation in the prosecutor’s Intervention in Lieu of Conviction program.
According to the prosecution, Hoskins was picked up in Shelby on a DUI, tested positive for marijuana on a random drug screen and admitted to using alcohol.
Assistant Prosecutor Ryan Hoovler told Leuthold, “He is not even 21. He needs to change his behavior, or he will be in prison.”
“You think you’re a gangster. You’re 5’6”, all of 140 pounds and you have a baby face,” Leuthold said. “Do you think you’re going to fare well in prison? You’re cocky and smug. You’re a minor league criminal. You won’t be running the whole cell block. I’m not your mother, your counselor or your social worker. In fact, I don’t even like you. You dropped out of high school and blew your opportunity to put a felony behind you. You have a warped idea of how things go.”
Leuthold placed Hoskins on five years of community control and advised him if he violates those conditions he will be going to prison.
“It won’t really hit you until you get to Loraine and they slam those doors behind you and then you’ll be in a world of regret. Maybe you’ll have a better attitude when I see you next time,” Leuthold said.
Amber Sharp, 27, of Galion will spend the next 15 months in prison after she pleaded guilty to violating the terms and conditions of her community control.
Sharp admitted to obstructing official business, possession of drug abuse instruments, failing to report for office visits and testing positive for meth, opioids, cocaine and THC. She will receive credit for time served. Leuthold told Sharp to get help while in prison, noting that he would not oppose transitional control in the future.
Gabriel Woods, 42, of Bucyrus entered a guilty plea to an amended charge of having weapons while under disability, a third-degree felony.
Leuthold sentenced Woods to five years of community control, basing the sentencing on Woods’ behavior since being released on bond. Leuthold told Woods he had received very good reports from the probation department.
Citing that he knew Woods was experiencing great grief over the loss of his brother, Leuthold encouraged Woods to ask for help if he is struggling with the grieving process.
“This is a situation where a lot of assumptions were made about you that were not exactly accurate,” Leuthold said. “You’re a mind-your-own-business type of guy who likes to stay at home, and there’s nothing wrong with that.
“Grief is one of the most powerful feelings you can have. You must reach out for help. Talk to your probation officer. He’s not going to get mad, he’s going to try to help you. I want to see you do well and be healthy,” Leuthold added.