BUCYRUS—Cody Zeger, 34, of Galion, appeared in Crawford County Common Pleas Court on Wednesday and pleaded guilty to violating the terms and conditions of his community control.
Zeger was placed on community control three months ago after he pleaded guilty to one count of domestic violence, a felony of the fourth degree punishable with up to 18 months in prison.
According to probation officer Chris Heydinger, Zeger violated his community control four times in three months with two positive drug tests and two positive alcohol tests.
After Zeger’s admission, both the State and defense had the opportunity to argue for what they believed to be appropriate sanctions.
Assistant Prosecutor Ryan Hoovler told the court that Zeger was charged with domestic violence while he was intoxicated. Hoovler said that even though the victim had a knee injury and it was a violent crime, he was given the opportunity to prove to the court that he could abide by the rules of his community control, but he had failed. Hoovler asked the court to sentence Zeger to 12 months in prison.
Defense attorney Ed Bibler told the court his client had begun counseling while in the Crawford County Jail. He said Zeger has employment and a young child who needs his financial and emotional support. He asked the court to continue Zeger’s community control so he could pursue treatment outside of jail.
Crawford County Common Pleas Court Judge Sean Leuthold noted that in just three months on community control, Zeger had four violations. Leuthold asked Zeger’s probation officer if he had thoughts on Zeger. Heydinger told the court that it did simply did not work out. Leüthold told Zeger that Heydinger had tried to give him every opportunity to make community control work, but it had not. Leuthold sentenced Zeger to eight months in prison.
Chester Estep, 50, of Galion, pleaded not guilty to violating the terms and conditions of his community control.
Estep was on community control after he pleaded guilty to one count of possession of drugs, a felony of the fifth degree punishable with up to 12 months in prison, one count of child endangerment, a first-degree misdemeanor punishable with up to 180 days in jail, and one count of drug abuse instruments, a second-degree misdemeanor punishable with up to 90 days in jail.
According to probation officer Chris Heydinger, adult probation officers attempted a home visit to Estep’s address of record in Galion. Upon their arrival, they learned he had moved. He failed to report a new address and get permission to move. Heydinger further noted that a drug test conducted at the Crawford County Jail was positive for meth and methamphetamines.
Judge Leuthold entered a not guilty plea on Estep’s behalf and appointed attorney Neil Huggins to represent him. Bond was set at $25,000.00.
David Salmon, 19, of Shelby pleaded guilty to one count of improper handling of a firearm in a motor vehicle, a felony of the fourth degree punishable with up to 18 months in prison, and one count of unlawful possession of a dangerous ordnance (a firearm shorter than legally acceptable), a felony of the fifth degree punishable with up to 12 months in prison.
In an agreed plea negotiation, Judge Leuthold sentenced Salmon to five years of community control. If he fails to complete his community control, he faces up to 30 months in prison.
Salmon will forfeit the weapon, scope, and ammunition to the appropriate authorities.