By Kathy Laird
A Galion man was told his life again was being saved as he received his prison sentence when he appeared before Judge Sean Leuthold in Crawford County Common Pleas Court on Wednesday.
Dakota Debard appeared on a probation violation charge and had an arraignment on a new charge of drug possession. Debard, with his attorney Tom Nicholson present, pleaded guilty to both the new charge and the probation violation.
According to Probation Officer Eric Bohach, Debard violated two conditions of his community control.
On Oct. 1, Debard was found unconscious from an overdose. Emergency medical personnel had to be called and administered three narcan shots to revive him. On Oct. 2, he submitted a urinalysis test that tested positive for cocaine and heroin. Debard admitted to using the drugs and violating his community control. The most recent overdose brought with it the new charges of drug possession.
Before sentencing, Leuthold asked for comments from the prosecution as well as the defendant.
The prosecution declined to make a statement, but attorney Tom Nicholson stood and addressed the court.
Pointing to the several family members present, Nicholson said, “Even though he has all this family support, for the devil of him he can’t stop using drugs. We’ve tried every option available and nothing has worked. Hopefully this will put this young man on the right path and we ask the court to accept this plea deal.”
Nodding in agreement to follow the plea, Leuthold addressed Debard; “If I don’t put you in prison, you’ll be dead within a year. I’ll read about how you suddenly died, and I’m sure your family agrees with me.”
Leuthold advised Debard to get into some of the prison programs and change his life.
“You got to get your act together,” Leuthold said. “You’re twenty, you can kick this thing and live another 75 years.”
Leuthold imposed a 48-month sentence and told Debard he would watch how he progresses and look at a possible early release into a treatment-based center at two years.
Debard will be given credit for jail time served. He will forfeit all drug related property to the Galion Police Department
Another Galion man, Glenn A. Stewart was indicted by the grand jury via video from the Crawford County Justice Center on Monday. Stewart’s attorney Pat Murphy was present in court for the reading of the indictment, to enter a plea and discuss bond for Stewart.
Stewart is facing two third-degree felony indictments, each punishable by up to 36 months in prison. Stewart is accused of sexual battery and unlawful sexual conduct with a minor. The alleged victim is a 14-year-old relative of Stewart’s wife.
When arguing bond, Murphy told the court that Stewart was not a flight risk, that he has cooperated with the investigation and had no prior record.
“My client is of limited means and is not a flight risk,” Murphy said.
While Leuthold conceded that Murphy had made good arguments for his client, he was stern in setting bond.
“I take charges of sex crimes against children very seriously,” Leuthold said. “The sheer nature of this case calls for a high bond.”
With that, Leuthold set bond at $250,000.