BUCYRUS — Jonathan Bagley of Columbus appeared in Crawford County Common Pleas Court Wednesday afternoon to plead guilty to two counts of possession of a dangerous drug, both third-degree felonies and each punishable with up to 36 months in prison.
In a plea negotiation, Bagley, 30, was sentenced to 36 months in prison on the first count and 24 months on the second count for a total of 60 months in prison. Bagley will be eligible to apply for early release after serving four years and received 49 days of jail time credit. Bagley will forfeit all drug-related property and cash to the Bucyrus Police Department.
Before imposing the sentence, Common Pleas Court Judge Sean Leuthold asked for comments from the prosecution and Bagley’s court-appointed attorney, Joel Spitzer. Both declined comment.
When Bagley was asked if he had anything to say, he rose to his feet and apologized for his conduct toward the magistrate whom he appeared before earlier. He also apologized to the prosecutor, Ryan Hoovler and jail commander Kent Rachel.
“I always respect the big dog, and you’re the big dog in this courtroom,” Bagley said.
Leuthold told Bagley he would not hold him in contempt for calling him a “big dog”.
“I realize that you did not mean that in a disrespectful way. But look, you’re a smart guy. There are a lot of things you could be doing but trafficking drugs in Crawford County is not one of them,” Leuthold said. “I appreciate your apologies and reports that you have behaved yourself at the jail. You’re getting too old for this. Take this time and turn your life around.”
In other court action, John Miller, 35, of Galion (see photo) appeared in court to settle a matter regarding his counsel.
Miller is charged with kidnapping, a first-degree felony punishable with up to 11 years in prison, one count of felonious assault, a second-degree felony punishable with up to eight years in prison, one count of endangering children, a third-degree felony punishable with up to 36 months in prison, one count of endangering children, a second-degree felony punishable with up to eight years in prison, one count of endangering children, a misdemeanor punishable with up to six months in jail and one count of domestic violence, a misdemeanor punishable with up to six months in jail.
Miller, along with his wife, is accused of locking their child in a room and nearly starving him to death. The child escaped from the home and sought help and is still in Children’s Hospital.
In what was described as contact from the defendant’s family inquiring about retaining attorney Tom Nicholson to represent Miller, Nicholson went to the jail to meet with Miller. Jail personnel would not let Nicholson see the defendant because his attorney of record is Andrew Motter.
Leuthold agreed with the jail personnel. Nicholson informed the court that he had filed a letter of advisory with the Supreme Court of Ohio.
“I’ll look forward to their input. I will check with the attorney’s disciplinary committee as well,” Leuthold said.
Leuthold informed Miller that he could hire his own attorney at any time and that Mr. Motter would release himself from the case. Miller told the court he had originally wanted a second opinion but changed his mind. He indicated he wanted to keep Motter on as his attorney.
Motter told the court that if Nicholson had called him and asked permission to speak with his client, he would have let them talk.
“How would you feel if another attorney went to the jail and tried to talk to your client without you knowing?” Leuthold asked Nicholson.
After a long pause, Nicholson said he would probably allow it.
Megan Phillips, 29, of Bucyrus pleaded guilty to possession of drugs, a fifth-degree felony punishable with up to 12 months in prison. Phillips’ court-appointed attorney, Joel Spitzer, told the court that his client was not amenable to being placed on community control and would rather serve her sentence on the offense.
In a plea deal, Leuthold sentenced Phillips to a flat seven months in prison.
“Look, I know what you’re doing here. I respect your decision, but it usually means that a person does not want to change their behavior,” Leuthold said. “You were doing heroine. You’re going to prison and you’ll get clean. You won’t be able to come back out and do the same level of drugs you were doing when you went in. I don’t want to pick up the paper and see that you’re dead. I wish you the best of luck.”
Nathan Ahrens, 26, of Barberton pleaded guilty to one count of receiving stolen property, a fourth-degree felony punishable with up to 18 months in prison. Ahrens also had 180 days of post-release control from charges in Summit County.
When asked how he ended up in Crawford County Ahrens said he was going to Ontario and got lost. He ended up in Crawford County where he ran out of gas.
A trooper arrested Ahrens when the truck he was driving came up as stolen. Ahrens said he thought he had permission to drive the truck. He told the court he had been struggling with mental illness since childhood and said his medications were at the Ontario Police Department waiting for him to pick them up.
“Well, you picked the wrong county to run out of gas in, that’s for sure. I’m not sure I’m buying your whole story but that doesn’t really matter,” Leuthold said. “Get the help you need while you’re in prison. If you are using drugs and have mental health, you cannot self-medicate. It’s like putting gasoline on a fire. I wish you good luck.”