By Kathy Laird
Zachariah Spade, 27, of Crestline had a four-year prison sentence imposed when he appeared in Crawford County Common Pleas Court on Monday.
Spade was convicted of violating the terms of his community control. According to the prosecution, probation officers received word that Spade was using cocaine.
When investigators went to his father’s apartment it was apparent that Spade was inside but refused to answer the door. His girlfriend also was at the residence. Officers were then forced to get a warrant to enter the residence. When officers returned about an hour later, Spade stepped outside to avoid anyone entering.
When tested by urinalysis, he tested positive for cocaine and alcohol. He also was charged with corrupting official business. In his plea to the court to continue Spade’s community control, Attorney Brian Gernert suggested that Spade is young enough to change, but makes poor decisions under the influence of drugs.
In 2014, Spade was sentenced on an original burglary charge. Before sending Spade back to prison, Judge Sean Leuthold noted the aggravating factors in the case.
“Had he tested here this might be different. But he wouldn’t come out of his house for an hour,” Leuthold said. “We know criminal behavior was going on inside that apartment. Who knows what evidence was destroyed.”
The original prison sentence was imposed and Spade will be given credit for jail and prison time already served. He will be subject to community control for three years following his release.
Michael Weaver of Bucyrus received a 36-month prison sentence for possession of heroin in an amount large enough to warrant a third-degree felony. Attorney Adam Stone spoke to Leuthold about his client.
“Mr. Weaver is here today to take responsibility for his actions,” Stone said. “He wants to take this time to deal with his addiction.”
The Judge quickly responded.
“Considering the amount of heroin in his possession, Mr. Stone, you might not want to use the word ‘deal,’ Leuthold said. “I can’t believe everyone hasn’t heard this, but apparently Mr. Weaver, you have not. Crawford County is NOT the place to mess around with heroin.”
In looking at the defendant before sentencing, Leuthold asked him, “How did you think this was going to end?”
Weaver replied, “Exactly like this.”
With that he was ordered to return to prison.
In other court business, Leuthold granted a request for further evaluation on Nolen Martin of Bucyrus. Nolen is accused of rape and recently underwent a psychological evaluation.
It was concluded that he is indeed competent to stand trial. Nolen’s attorney, Adam Stone, notified the court that he would appeal that evaluation and seek an independent evaluation of Martin.
He then asked the judge to order an additional evaluation to pursue a plea of guilty by reason of insanity. Noting the seriousness of the accusation against Martin, the judge agreed to order that evaluation. There will be a hearing to determine the next steps in the process after the evaluation is concluded.