Press release and staff report
gogle@wbcowqel.com
The case that perhaps epitomized Crawford County’s fight against drugs and especially heroin came to a conclusion Thursday. Crawford County Prosecutor Matt Crall said Nathan Brady, the last of four defendants, pleaded guilty to a felony 1 charge of engaging in a pattern of corrupt activity and a felony 2 charge of trafficking in drugs, namely heroin.
Brady was sentenced to a total of eight years in prison, but can be released to community control after serving four years. Brady had three co-conspirators in the case. Chris Van Scoit was sentenced to a 16-year prison sentence with possible judicial release after eight years; Tonya Laferty was sentenced to four years and 11 months in prison; and Brady’s wife, Connie Brady, was placed on community control for three years.
According to Crall the four co-defendants were involved in the distribution of heroin in Crawford County. All used the proceeds of their enterprise to support their personal drug habits.
“While much remains to be done to attack the influx of illegal drugs into our community, the community needs to be aware of what efforts are being made and the legal consequences for those who break the law,” Crall stated.
Engaging in a pattern of corrupt activities cases are complex matters that required the cooperation of the Crawford County Sheriff’s Office, the Bucyrus Police Department, Crawford County Prosecutor’s Office and METRICH Task Force.
“Sergeant/Detective Chris Heydinger and Assistant County Prosecutor Ryan Hoovler are to be commended for their efforts in leading this effort,” Crall said. Their extra effort is what is required to make this happen.”
Crall then addressed the sentences meted out to the four defendants.
“The sentences given in these cases are significant. Persons who work to bring drugs into our county and distribute the poison (heroin) which is killing our community must pay a hefty price,” Crall said. “The Crawford County Prosecutor’s Office will use the engaging in a pattern of corrupt activity where we can to keep heroin and other illegal drugs out of our county.”