DELAWARE, OH (CRAWFORD COUNTY NOW)—Former Bucyrus Attorney, Adam Stone is set to be sentenced on Tuesday at 8:45am in the Delaware County Common Pleas Court.
Stone changed his plea to guilty in July.
Stone will be sentenced for telecommunications fraud, a third-degree felony punishable with up to 36 months in prison, and a charge of attempted impersonation of an officer that was amended to a fourth-degree felony, punishable with up to 18 months in prison. The grand theft charge was dismissed.
As part of the plea deal, Stone has also agreed to pay restitution to his victims, Dan and Mindi Straker.
Crawford County Now has obtained the 51-page brief that outlines the position of the defense as well as letters of support asking leniency on behalf of Stone.
The brief was prepared and submitted by Stone’s attorney Joseph C. Patituce of Strongsville.
In summary the brief states:
Stone did not profit from his actions. Rather his actions stemmed from his inexperience as a new attorney and mental health challenges rather than greed.
According to the brief, Stone, who was a practicing attorney since 2009, faced significant pressure due to a longstanding friendship with the victims (Dan and Mindi Straker) and is related to a case involving their deceased son. The Straker’s believed their son was a victim of murder and that the investigation into their son’s death was insufficient.
Unable to manage the complexity of their legal matters and struggling with mental health issues, he (Stone) mishandled their representation, leading to a missed wrongful death lawsuit deadline.
Despite providing some legitimate legal services, Stone’s conduct escalated from malpractice to deceptive practices, involving claims about ongoing investigations that led the Straker’s to incur further costs.
Stone, according to the brief, accepted responsibility and resigned from the legal profession.
The arguments for sentencing emphasize Stone’s remorse, lack of prior criminal record, mental health issues. According to the brief, Stone has demonstrated accountability.
The defense seeks community control for Stone rather than incarceration to allow for his rehabilitation and continued employment, noting that Stone has shown no intent to reoffend.
The brief suggests that the case’s unique context and mitigating factors support a community control sentence as appropriate, and provides a path for redemption after considerable reflection on his misconduct.
Several letters of support were submitted to the court including a letter from Stone’s mother, Sandy Stone.
In her letter to Judge Shuck, Stone expressed deep concern for her son, Adam, who she says has faced significant challenges in recent years, including legal issues for which he has taken accountability.
Stone acknowledges her son’s character and her pride in his owning his mistakes. Additionally, according to his mother, Stone has endured the loss of his grandfather and father, both of whom had taught him valuable lessons about manhood and responsibility.
Stone says her son’s exit from the law profession is due to stress and mental health struggles.
This, according to his mother, has compounded his challenges, especially the painful separation from two of his three young sons, who need their father Adam’s presence.
Despite these difficulties, Stone points out her son is now teaching at-risk students, reflecting his dedication to helping others.
Sandy Stone urged the court to recognize her son as a good man who deserves understanding rather than being solely defined by his mistakes.
In another letter submitted by Adam Stone’s current wife Samantha, she implored the Judge for leniency as well.
Samantha Stone acknowledged the pain experienced by the Straker family due to the loss of their child.
Stone, a mother, did not excuse her husband’s actions but offered sincere apologies for their hurt.
She describes Adam as a once-charismatic criminal defense attorney known for his generosity, who eventually struggled with overwhelming responsibilities, leading to poor decisions.
Since they married in 2022, according to his wife, Stone has transformed into a humble and devoted family man, confronting his mistakes after surrendering his law license. According to Samantha Stone, the family has faced public humiliation, vandalism, and financial ruin, prompting bankruptcy.
Stone requests that the court consider a non-incarcerating sentence for Adam, emphasizing that prison would hinder his ability to make restitution and negatively impact on their children, who need their father.
A very long and detailed letter was submitted by retired former Bucyrus Attorney Robert Clark Neff.
In the case of Adam Stone, Neff argued for a sentence combining local incarceration with community control rather than traditional prison time. Neff argued that Stone’s actions are framed as stemming from mental health challenges and personal struggles rather than a desire for profit.
Neff’s letter discusses Stone’s prior success as a criminal defense attorney and emphasizes that incarceration would disrupt his ongoing rehabilitation and negatively impact his family life, suggesting that a non-incarcerated sentence would still allow for restitution and further positive contributions to his community.
The letter appeals for compassion, recommending that Stone be given a second chance instead of further punishment.
While there were a number of additional and traditional letters of support, victim impact statements were not available. Those will be heard at the sentencing.
With the agreed plea deal Stone could be sentenced to up to 54 months in prison.
To read the entire 51-page document, click the link below.
Crawford County Now will provide sentencing information as soon as it becomes available.