BUCYRUS, OH (CRAWFORD COUNTY NOW)—Dakota Craft, a 28-year-old resident of Galion, appeared in the Crawford County Common Pleas Court on Tuesday for his sentencing. After being found guilty by a jury on October 24th, Craft was found guilty of multiple charges including felonious assault, improperly discharging a firearm, intimidation of an attorney, victim, or witness, having weapons under disability, and tampering with evidence. His conviction stemmed from a shooting incident at the Perry family’s home in Galion.
During the sentencing hearing, both the state and defense counsel presented their recommendations to Judge Sean Leuthold. Crawford County Assistant Prosecutor Dan Stanley argued for the maximum sentence on all charges, citing the trauma experienced by the Perry family, particularly the eight children who were inside the home during the shooting. Stanley also highlighted Craft’s extensive criminal record, including previous prison sentences and evidence of his gang affiliations.
Stanley played a recorded call between Craft and his wife, where Craft boasted about having a prisoner “whacked” for his own amusement. Stanley urged the court to send a message to the community by imposing a 34-year sentence, emphasizing that such violent acts should not be tolerated in Crawford County.
Bobbie Perry, one of the shooting victims, delivered a tearful victim impact statement, expressing the fear and trauma her family has experienced since the incident. She described how her children no longer feel safe in their own home, are afraid to have friends over, and struggle with sleep due to the emotional distress caused by the shooting.
Craft’s attorney, Jerry Thompson, acknowledged the Perry family’s suffering but argued that Craft was not on bond or under supervision at the time of the crime. Thompson requested that Craft’s sentences be served concurrently where applicable.
Craft chose not to speak during his sentencing in order to protect his appellate record. Judge Leuthold then delivered his decision, taking into account the evidence presented during the trial, including phone calls and messages that revealed Craft’s involvement in drug sales, steroid use, and social media harassment.
Leuthold noted that Craft’s actions were driven by a desire to defend his girlfriend’s honor, which led him to shoot into a home where eight children and four adults were present. The Judge expressed serious concerns about Craft’s potential for future violent crimes if released and considered the physical and mental injuries suffered by the victims, particularly the children.
Additionally, Leuthold highlighted Craft’s intimidation of Victoria Loftis, his girlfriend, who testified against him. Craft had instructed Loftis to remain silent and even took pictures of her children to intimidate her into silence.
Craft was sentenced to up to a total of 24 years in prison, with six of those years being mandatory gun speculation charges. He will receive credit for 99 days already served in jail.