BUCYRUS—Crawford County Common Pleas Court Judge Sean Leüthold took several minutes to carefully explain to a Crestline man his constitutional rights regarding his case.

Travis Baker, 39, of Crestline seemed unsure if he wanted to accept a plea offer or go to trial. Baker faced 18 months in prison if convicted of grand theft, a fourth-degree felony.

When Judge Leuthold asked Baker if he felt he was taking the plea because he was guilty and felt it was in his best interest, Baker only said it was in his best interest.

“It’s my job to make sure you understand your rights. It is your constitutional right to have a full trial on this matter. If you decide you want a trial, I will make sure you get a fair trial with all your rights protected” Leuthold said.

After conferring with his attorney, Baker declared he wanted to plead guilty to the charges.

In an agreed plea negotiation, the state offered Baker a sentence of 18 months in prison with a possible judicial release after nine months.

Judge Leuthold accepted the guilty plea and agreed to follow the recommendation of the state.

In a rare move, Leuthold granted Baker a report date of June 11, 2021. Baker must present himself by 7 PM at the Crawford County Jail for transport to prison.

“I rarely give a report date. If you commit another crime between now and your report date, I will send you to prison immediately.” Leuthold said.

In other court cases, Larry Shoulders Jr., 28 of Cleveland pleaded guilty to carrying a concealed weapon, a fourth-degree felony punishable with up to 18 months in prison.

In an agreed plea negotiation, Judge Leuthold sentenced Shoulders to five years on community control.

 

Jamie Hall, 38, of Bucyrus pleaded guilty to violating the terms and conditions of his community control.

Hall was placed on community control for just one year in September 2020, after he plead guilty to possession of drugs, a fifth-degree felony punishable with up to 12 months in prison.

According to probation officer Kylie Sinclair, on January 5th Hall tested positive for fentanyl. A lab confirmed that fentanyl was present in Hall’s system.

Hall also refused a drug test in March and previously failed to report for office visits as ordered.

Judge Leuthold sentenced Hall to six months in prison. He will receive credit for jail time served.