By Kathy Laird

Jessica Monk, 27, of Galion was sentenced Wednesday in Crawford County Common Pleas Court for theft. Because Monk was not prison eligible, the court decided to place her on the prosecutor’s diversion program.

Crawford County Assistant Prosecutor Ryan Hoovler explained the reasoning behind the decision.

“Because Miss Monk is not prison eligible, this diversion program is our best opportunity to make sure restitution is made to Monk’s victims,” Hoovler said.

Monk, while serving as a home health aide, tended for a patient with multiple sclerosis and stole $834 from her victim and her victim’s 84-year-old mother.

The victim, her mother and her sister appeared in court during the sentencing to make victim impact statements. Hoovler explained why the victims were there.

“They feel betrayed by Miss Monk who violated their trust,” Hoovler said. “I explained to them that we will have better control over Miss Monk to make sure she makes restitution and stays out of trouble in my diversion program”.

Hoovler went on to explain that in cases where home health care workers are hired, they often endear themselves to those they care for.

“Then they take advantage of them. Companies need to do a better job regarding how they hire employees,” Hoovler said.

An obviously upset Common Pleas Court Judge Sean Leuthold let the victims speak before pronouncing sentence. The first statement came from the sister and daughter of the victims. She explained how Monk seemed to be an answer to their prayers and they trusted her.

In July 2015, Monk explained to the victim that if she were to get her State Trained Nursing Assistant License, her client’s insurance would pay for her services.

Believing this, the victim, a woman suffering from multiple sclerosis gave her the $100 down payment and $235 for half of the tuition. Monk cashed the checks but never attended school.

However, she led her victims to believe she was in school and even took a gift card for $100 from them as a graduation gift. Shortly, thereafter, Monk did not show up for work and would not return calls or offer an explanation.

The victim’s sister noted how the actions of Monk affected her sister,

“Stress causes M.S. to flare and she has had extreme pain and stress over this,” the woman said.

Next the victim’s mother spoke directly to Monk,

“I trusted you with my most precious thing, my daughter,” the mother said. “You are a lost soul and I don’t know if you can ever find redemption for what you have done.”

It was also revealed that Monk over billed the family for her hours, and billed for hours and times she was not there. The victim’s mother, trusting Monk, made out the checks for whatever amount Monk declared.

“I wish I could send her to prison,” declared Leuthold.

He explained that this offense is not one that can make her prison eligible. He went on to explain that simple probation would not give the court the best way to make sure she repays her victims.

“That is why I am going to impose the prosecutor’s diversion program,” Leuthold said. “We will put extra stipulations on her and I will make sure she makes restitution.”

Leuthold put Probation Officer Eric Bohach on the case to assist the prosecutor’s office.

“I want her monitored and tested often,” Leuthold said.

Telling the victims that he found this case extremely disturbing, Leuthold admitted that he was filled with a lot of anger on this case. He called Monk and liar and a thief.

“Thank your lucky stars I can’t do to you what I’d like to do, which is put you in prison,” Leuthold said. “I’m not sure how you look at yourself in the mirror.”

Agreeing with the victims, Leuthold said he wasn’t sure there was redemption for Monk. He called restitution a good start toward that.

“From this point on, your time and your money is my business, and you will pay these folks back for what you have stolen from them,” Leuthold said.

Leuthold further promised Monk lengthy time in jail or prison if she does not successfully complete the diversion.

Monk showed no emotion during the proceeding.

Leuthold added an additional stipulation to the program. Monk is no longer allowed to hold any employment in the health care field.