By Kathy Laird
CCN Correspondent
BUCYRUS — A Galion man was sentenced to a community-based correction facility located in Tiffin, after appearing before Crawford County Common Pleas Court Judge Sean Leuthold.
Steven Beale pleaded guilty to violating the terms and conditions of his community control after being charged with driving under the influence. Rather than sending Beale to prison, Leuthold decided that Beale needed to be in a facility that could directly address his alcoholism. Beale had been considered a successful superintendent before he became what Leuthold called a “hopeless alcoholic.”
Leuthold credited probation officer Mark Alspach for working hard to get Beale accepted into the program at Crosswaeh in Tiffin. But Leuthold also was stern with Beale about this being his last opportunity to get sober.
“This is not what I’d call a wake-up call but rather a bullhorn blaring in your ear call to tell you to stop acting like a horse’s ass, grow up, be a man and get your life back,” Leuthold said.
He also warned Beale that if he “blows this chance,” Leuthold will not hesitate to send him directly to prison.
“If you make it, I’ll be a happy man. If you don’t I will send you to prison,” Leuthold said. “I care about your sobriety and I want you to succeed. But do not mistake my kindness for weakness. I wish you good luck.”
In other court proceedings, Rebecca Wade, 45, of Crestline was permitted into the prosecutor’s intervention in lieu of conviction program. Wade faces as many as 12 months in prison for possession of drugs. If she completes the program, her felony charge will be dismissed. She is to forfeit all drug-related property to the Galion Police Department.
Chet Mullins, 49, of Crestline appeared in Crawford County Common Pleas Court on Monday to enter a plea after he was indicted on three felony charges. Mullins is accused of allowing his residence in Crestline to be used in the commission of trafficking drugs, specifically, heroin and fentanyl.
If convicted on all three counts, Mullins could spend 36 months in prison. Mullins was represented in court by his attorney, Adam Stone. Stone entered a not guilty plea on behalf of Mullins. Stone successfully argued the need for a personal recognizance bond in the case.
Stone presented documentation proving that Mullins suffers from a spinal and heart infection that requires him to return to the hospital every three weeks to receive a therapy to cure the infection. Stone also presented a list of 15 medications that Mullins must take daily.
Leuthold was reluctant to grant the personal recognizance bond but agreed after reviewing documents.
“I would normally set bond between $100,000 to $200,000, however, Mr. Mullins’ health issues are grave,” Leuthold said. “There are at least 15 different medications. I don’t think this would be fair to Mr. Mullins or the jail.”
Leuthold went on to lay out the conditions of the personal recognizance bond. Mullins is to have no contact with any felons, not drink alcohol or use drugs and must submit to a urine test at his next pretrial.
“You are innocent until proven guilty,” Leuthold told Mullins. “I will protect your constitutional rights like a pit bull. But if you are found to be involved in any trafficking I will revoke your bond and put you in jail. We will visit your home and we will find out what’s going on there.”
Richard Austin, 47, of Tiro was charged with violating the terms and conditions of his community control. According to probation officer Stalter, Austin tested positive for THC, meth, and amphetamines during a random drug screening May 9.
Leuthold entered a not guilty plea on Austin’s behalf and appointed attorney Andy Motter to represent him. Due to the underlying breaking and entering charge, and the drugs involved in the current charges, bond was set at $100,000.
Norma Nichols, 63, of Crestline was placed in the prosecutor’s diversion program after she pleaded guilty one count of theft. Leuthold noted that Nichols had serious health issues including multiple sclerosis and had not been taking her medication as prescribed when the incident occurred.
“I think you’ve learned your lesson. But know this; you can’t quit taking your medication and then blame your bad behavior on the fact that you weren’t on your medication. These are the kinds of situations the program was created to address,” Leuthold said.
Nichols was ordered to pay the costs for the program and restitution in the amount of $2,100.83 to the victim.
Tyler Sims, 25, of Galion will spend the next eight months in prison after pleading guilty to possession of drugs. He was represented by attorney Brad Starkey. Sims will forfeit all drug-related property to the Galion Police Department.
Zachary Strickland, 23, of Galion was sentenced to twelve months in prison after he pleaded guilty to violating the terms and conditions of his community control. In January, Strickland changed his address without permission of his probation officer, failed to pay any money on the $5660 restitution he owed, and tested positive for cocaine and marijuana during a random drug screening in March. Strickland will receive credit for time served.