By Kathy Laird and Kimberly Gasuras
CCN reporters

GALION – After previously maintaining his innocence since he was charged with receiving stolen property, former Galion Electric Company Superintendent Anthony Slone pleaded guilty in Crawford County Municipal Court on Tuesday to receiving stolen property.

Slone appeared before Crawford County Municipal Court Judge Shane Leuthold.

Attorney Rolf Whitney of Mansfield represented Slone.

Slone had been placed on unpaid administrative leave since the charges were filed. Slone resigned his position as a line superintendent, effective Jan. 26.

He faced as many as 180 days in jail on the first-degree misdemeanor.

Slone was accused of bypassing a meter to hook electric up to a camper on his property.

In a mutually agreed sentence recommendation, Leuthold allowed Slone to enter the judge’s diversion program. Although Slone pleaded guilty, the plea will be held while he participates in the diversion program. If Slone completes the program and has no other violations of the law at the end of 12 months, the guilty plea will be terminated.

Slone was ordered to pay $400 to the Galion Electric Company as well as $300 in program fees.

While Leuthold agreed to the diversion; he advised Slone that he did not have to accept the recommendation.

“This diversion program is designed for someone who has no prior criminal record and you meet that requirement; so I’m letting you in the program,” Leuthold said.

Leuthold went on to explain that because Slone worked for a public utility there might be some public outcry for a harsher sentence. He went on to outline the sentencing guidelines he must follow in such cases.

“I am mandated by the Ohio Revised Code to establish punishment for the offender and to send a message to others of the consequences if they are committing similar acts or are in similar situations,” Leuthold said.

Noting that he had seen at least six cases of people coming through his court that committed the same “dumb act,” Leuthold gave them diversion if they qualified.

“I cannot treat you differently based on the status you have had; you are similarly situated to others I have sentenced on similar acts,” concluded Leuthold.

In a final warning, Leuthold told Slone that he needed to make the city whole by repaying for the electric, pay program fees and complete diversion.

Saying he had no reason to believe Slone wouldn’t do well on diversion Leuthold told him; “If you screw this up, I will revoke your diversion and sentence you.”