BUCYRUS—A Crestline man found himself back in Crawford County Common Pleas Court on Wednesday after being charged with a new offense and a motion to revoke his present bond.
Charles Sampsel, 37, of Crestline, was recently indicted on charges of corrupting another with drugs, a felony of the second degree punishable with up to 8 years in prison and one count of trafficking in drugs, a felony of the fifth degree punishable with up to 12 months in prison. Sampsel posted a $20,000 bond. After a bond violation, the bond was increased to $50,000.00 and then eventually to $100,000.00, covering both charges. Sampsel posted the bond. Sampsel was arraigned on an additional charge of possession of drugs (Methamphetamines), a felony of the third degree punishable with up to 36 months in prison.
Crawford County Common Pleas Court Judge Sean Leuthold addressed the motion to revoke bond first.
According to allegations, Sampsel failed to appear for a weekly drug test violating conditions of bond.
Sampsel’s attorney Andrew Motter told the court his client was seeking in-patient drug treatment and was called for admission at the same time as his scheduled drug screen. Motter said his client sought admission to the program over-reporting for his drug screen because he thought the treatment was more important. Motter went on to tell the court his client was not admitted to the program because his insurance didn’t cover the cost. Motter said his client did not call and try to reschedule with his supervising officer because he knew he was in trouble.
Prosecutor Matt Crall asked that the old bond be revoked and a newer higher bond set based on his prior violations and the newest charge.
Judge Leuthold entered a not guilty plea on Sampsel’s behalf on the new charge. He appointed attorney Andrew Motter to continue representing Sampsel. Judge Leuthold raised the bond by $100,000.00 and combined the cases for a total new bond of $250,000.00. He warned Sampsel that he’d better show up for his required weekly testing if he made the new bond.
In other court news, Eunice Hoffman, 57, of Bucyrus, was arrested and appeared in court to answer allegations she violated the terms and conditions of her community control. Hoffman was placed on five years of community control after she pleaded guilty to one count of possession of drugs, a felony of the fifth degree punishable with up to 12 months in prison.
According to probation officer Jeremy Clay, a search warrant was served on her home after drug trafficking complaints. During the search, drug paraphernalia was found on the nightstand, including syringes, scales, a glass pipe, and a spoon. Hoffman admitted the items were used to consume meth. While in custody at the Crawford County Jail, she tested positive for meth, methamphetamines, Buprenorphine, fentanyl, and ecstasy. She admitted to consuming meth.
Hoffman appeared in court on oxygen. Judge Leuthold expressed his concern for her health issues but said he was more concerned for her safety. “The fact that she has tested positive for dangerous drugs is very concerning. The defendant appears today on oxygen and clearly has health issues, but I’m more concerned about her safety. There are also allegations of drugs coming out of her home.” Leuthold said. He set Hoffman’s bond at $25,000.00.
Stevena Gruber, 42, of Galion, pleaded guilty to violating her probation. She was placed on probation in 2020 after she pleaded guilty to one count of possession of drugs, a felony of the fifth degree punishable with up to 12 months in prison.
According to probation officer Chris Heydinger, Gruber failed to get permission to move and failed to keep him informed of her address.
In an agreed plea negotiation, Judge Leuthold continued Gruber’s community control but added a sanction of 60 days of house arrest. Gruber is not to leave her home unless she has a medical appointment or court business to attend.