BUCYRUS — David Chatman of Galion appeared in Crawford County Common Pleas Court on Thursday to hear the results of a competency examination.
Chatman’s attorney, Andrew Motter, asked the court for both a competency examination and an examination to determine if Chatman could use the defense of being guilty by reason of insanity.
Common Pleas Court Judge Sean Leuthold told the court he would err on the side of caution and allow the examinations. Chatman, 31, is charged with one count of rape, a first-degree felony. The alleged victim was six years old. Because of the age of the victim, if Chatman is found guilty, he could serve life in prison without the possibility of parole.
According to the evaluation completed by a District V forensic psychologist, Chatman was found competent to stand trial. Leuthold read portions of the report.
“Defendant understands the charges and is able to assist in his own defense,” Leuthold read. “He understands the possible penalties and does not display any current medical disabilities.”
Leuthold noted that when the psychologist spoke with Chatman regarding the evaluation to determine if he had a defense of guilty by reason of insanity, he refused the examination saying he was not interested in pursuing that defense.
When questioned by Leuthold, Chatman did not seem to recall refusing that examination. Leuthold put the court on a recess so that Motter could discuss the matter with his client and determine whether he wanted the additional examination.
When court reconvened, Motter told the court that his client did not want the additional evaluation.
“My client wishes to pursue to trial without the evaluation,” Motter said.
Leuthold ordered Motter to formally withdraw the motion for that exam.
“If your client reconsiders, you may file a new motion with me and we will discuss it,” Leuthold said.
In other court action, Shaun McCarty, 35, of Mansfield pleaded guilty to violating the terms and conditions of his community control. He admitted to possession drug paraphernalia, possessing drug instruments and associating with a felon.
Leuthold ordered McCarty to spend six months in prison. The sentence was limited because the violations were technical violations not rising to the level of full reinstatement of the sentence. McCarty will receive jail time credit of 90 days and will serve 90 additional days in prison.
Dustin Crawford, 27, of Bucyrus admitted to violating the terms and conditions of his community control. According to Probation Officer Mark Alspach, on June 5, Crawford admitted to using fentanyl and tested positive for the drug.
Crawford was placed on community control after pleading guilty to two counts of possession of drugs, each a fifth-degree felony and each punishable with up to 12 months in prison.
Leuthold sentenced Crawford to 12 months in prison on each count for a total of 24 months in prison. Leuthold said he would consider the possibility of a judicial release later.