Bucyrus — Chadwick Scribner, 45, of Galion pleaded guilty to felony child endangerment on Wednesday in Crawford County Common Pleas Court.

Scribner’s six-month-old child was rushed to Galion Community Hospital, then transferred by Life Flight to Nationwide Children’s Hospital in Columbus. It was discovered that the child had overdosed on cocaine.

In what Judge Sean Leuthold called “angering,” Scribner admitted to using crack but had no idea how the child got the cocaine. Probation officers Eric Bohach and Chris Heydinger conducted a search of Scribner’s apartment upon learning of the condition of the child.

“Mr. Heydinger and Mr. Bohach did some excellent work, visited the home and found drugs and drug paraphernalia,” Leuthold said.

Scribner has a lengthy record dating back to 2008. He has spent time in prison for crimes including possession of drugs and breaking and entering. Leuthold said this crime is one of the worst he has seen.

“Here we have a low-level drug offender who is non-violent. Some people would say he’s no harm to anyone but himself,” Leuthold said. “The trouble is he has harmed an innocent baby. Low-level drug abuse with children around is dangerous.”

Leuthold told Scribner he was going to give him the most time possible, which is 36 months in prison.

“You want to mess up your life, that’s on you. But children take the hit when they have to live with drug abuse,” Leuthold said. “Frankly, I’m shocked we haven’t seen more of this. Here is a 6-month-old baby incapable of hurting anyone and is rushed to the hospital with an overdose. Every day you should thank your lucky stars that this baby lived. Drugs are more important to you than your child, and that’s why you are going to prison.”

A face familiar to the court system appeared in Crawford County Common Pleas Court to plead guilty to violating the terms and conditions of his community control. Rudell Chatman, 46, currently residing in the Lorain Correctional Institution appeared in court with his attorney, Jeff Stoll.

According to Probation Officer Mark Alspach, Chatman violated probation when he was charged with stealing from a BP gas station in Mansfield. Chatman was also charged with failure to comply with the command of a peace officer in Delaware, possession of a firearm under disability, and stopping reporting to probation for scheduled visits.

When asked his plea by Judge Leuthold, Chatman reluctantly said he was guilty.

“Your body language says you don’t want to do this. You don’t have to do it, we can schedule a full hearing on this matter, it is your right,” Leuthold said.

Chatman indicated that he was guilty but frustrated.

“I know everyone here. I admit I made a mistake,” Chatman said. “I’ve never been allowed to be in a drug program like others have. It’s always only prison for Rudell. I never had a chance. I’m dying here for this. I take responsibility but cut me a break and get me into a drug program.”

Leuthold explained to Chatman that since he is already in prison, it is not possible for him to be placed in a drug program.

“What I have here is an underlying violent crime. I am imposing the remainder of your sentence. Your lawyer did a great job for you. He shaved off almost a year,” Leuthold said. “I can’t help you today but I can help protect other people from you.”

Tahshawn Jones, 23, of Marion admitted to violating the terms and conditions of his probation. In exchange for his guilty plea the state agreed not to pursue new charges considering his violation. Jones admitted to illegal possession of drugs, using marijuana and THC.

Leuthold imposed the remainder of his 30-month sentence in prison. He will be given credit for time served. When asked if he had anything to say, Jones told Leuthold, “You are sentencing me right now?”

Leuthold replied, “Yes, that’s why we are here today, to sentence you after you admitted violating the terms of your community control. Do you understand that?”

“This means after today, I can get on the bus?” Jones asked.

“You most certainly can Mr. Jones,” Leuthold said.

Jones smiled and said, “Sweet.”

Leuthold pronounced sentence, turned to the corrections officers and said, “Let’s make this man happy and get him on the bus to prison today!”