BUCYRUS—Shelby Bell, 27, of Galion, helped drive herself right back to prison after she pleaded guilty to violating the terms and conditions of her community control.
Bell was sent to prison last August after she pleaded guilty to one count of aggravated burglary, a third-degree felony punishable with up to 36 months in prison. She was granted judicial release in January.
According to probation officer Eric Bohach, Bell was cited by the Crawford County Sheriff’s Department in April for driving without a license and then was convicted. She was cited again in Crestline for the same charge in June but did not report that police contact.
Bohach said she failed to appear in June when he ordered her to his office for a visit. When in custody, Bell tested positive for Methamphetamines and THC.
In a negotiated plea agreement, Crawford County Common Pleas Court Judge Sean Leuthold reimposed the remainder of Bell’s 36-month prison sentence.
A disappointed Judge told the court he’s been dealing with Bell since she was just a kid:
“We tried, but it didn’t work. You’re a smart person and even likable. Stay away from drugs and alcohol. I wish you the best, I really do.” Leuthold said.
Jeannie Blankenship, 49, of Mansfield, pleaded guilty to two counts of trafficking in cocaine and one count of trafficking in heroin, each fourth-degree felonies and each punishable with up to 18 months in prison.
In an agreed plea negotiation, Judge Leuthold sentenced Blankenship to ten months In prison on count one and nine months in prison on each of the two remaining counts. Blankenship will serve a total of 28 months in prison.
Blankenship’s attorney, Brian Kitzler, petitioned the court for a report date for his client, citing that she is having major surgery this week.
In a rare move, Judge Leuthold granted the defenses’ request. Blankenship is to report to the Crawford County Justice Center by 7 pm on August 15th for transport to prison.
Two of Blankenship’s co-defendants were also sentenced. Penelope Blankenship,70, and Kari Frizzell, 22, both of Mansfield, each pleaded guilty to one count of permitting drug abuse, felonies of the fifth degree punishable with up to 12 months in prison.
Both women were given two years of community control. They agreed to forfeit all drug-related property and a Mercury Mountaineer SUV to the Crawford Sheriff’s Department.