Anthony Ross of Galion received one more opportunity to hire different counsel when he appeared before Judge Sean Leuthold on Wednesday afternoon in Crawford County Common Pleas Court. Ross, who had retained three different attorneys to represent him in facing charges of Drug Possession, had dismissed all three at one point. The latest attorney to represent Ross, Jim Mayer of Mansfield explained to the Judge that their relationship was irreparably damaged and sought permission to withdraw from the case. Mayer had been one of the original three attorneys dismissed by Ross but worked diligently with him to continue to give him the best representation possible. Given the breach in the relationship, Judge Leuthold granted Mayer’s request. The Judge took a strong stand with Ross: “Look Mr. Ross, you have every right to have an attorney of your choice. But now you have hired and dismissed three attorneys. Understand that at some point, this is going to move forward. I will give you one week to seek counsel on your own, and if you do not, I will appoint counsel for you, do you understand?” After acknowledging he understood Leuthold went on to put the hearing on the court docket for next Wednesday. He further explained to Ross that if the court appoints an attorney for him, he will not be able to fire that attorney unless the court finds just cause.
Twenty three year old Brice Miller from Galion appeared in court on what was presumed to be a change of plea. Miller is facing a Felonious Assault charges and a total of 8 years in prison. Miller appeared with his attorney Adam Stone. The State of Ohio had offered Miller a plea deal that would have required he be sentenced to four years, 11 months in prison with possible judicial release after serving two years. Miller had indicated he wanted to take the deal. However, when he appeared in court he informed Judge Leuthold that he wanted to go to trial instead of taking the agreed plea. Prosecutor Randy Hoovler advised the court that the state would withdraw the offer immediately and it would no longer be available to Miller. The matter is to be set for trial.
One defendant was sentenced to five years Community Control for four counts of breaking and entering. Michael Leppo got the sentence only because he was not prison eligible. When asked if he had anything to say, Leppo remarked, “I’m sorry and I will pay it all back”. The Judge agreed: “You’re damn right you will! You are lucky that you aren’t prison eligible. But after today you are! Get out, get a job, fly right. I’m not your parents, I’m not your babysitter. Get it together or go to Prison!”
Le India Samuel was back in court Thursday afternoon for sentencing on charges of theft. She was recommended for the Prosecutor’s Diversion Program. If Samuel completes the program
to the satisfaction of the Prosecutor’s office her felony conviction can be removed from her record. “This is a chance to put a felony behind you. You are lucky, I don’t do this often.” said Leuthold. When asked if he had anything to say, Samuel’s attorney James Mayer replied, “My client is off to a good start Your Honor, she did not park in your space today!” With that, the Judge chuckled and wished her well. At her original appearance, Samuel parked in Judge Leuthold’s reserved space causing the Judge to be late for court.