BUCYRUS, OH (CRAWFORD COUNTY NOW)—During a Monday court hearing at the Crawford County Common Pleas Court, 53-year-old Gary Gallant of Bucyrus was denied a medical furlough by Judge Sean Leuthold.
Gallant, who is facing drug-related charges, remains in jail on a $250,000 bond.
Gallant’s request for a medical furlough to address his various medical conditions, including heart issues, was denied by Judge Leuthold after reviewing current medical records. Despite Gallant’s health concerns, the judge determined that they were not severe enough to require immediate treatment or surgery before the trial.
“The court is required to weigh the risk of the defendant’s health against the risk of his non-appearance in this case. I believe the risk of non-appearance is substantially greater based on the number of charges that he is looking at,” Leuthold said.
The charges against Gallant stem from a felony narcotics raid on his Fischer Street residence, and if convicted, he could face between 30 to 50 years in prison.
Following the denial of the medical furlough, Gallant’s attorney, Tom Nicholson, agreed with his client’s request to be relieved from representing him. Nicholson told the court that his client is not accepting his advice. Judge Leuthold granted the request and appointed attorney Joel Spitzer to represent Gallant.
With the new trial date set for October 2nd, Gallant waived his right to a speedy trial and will move forward with Spitzer as his attorney. The court proceedings will continue to be monitored as the case develops.