BUCYRUS—Brent Richards, 51, of Galion, appeared in Crawford County Common Pleas Court on Wednesday. Richards is charged with one count of domestic violence, a felony of the fourth degree punishable with up to 18 months in prison.
Richards is represented by attorney Brian Gernert. Today’s hearing was initially set for Gernert to request a District Five competency exam for his client. However, Gernert withdrew the motion at his client’s request because they came to a plea agreement with the prosecution.
Crawford County Common Pleas Court Judge Sean Leuthold was prepared to accept the plea negotiation until he talked with the defendant.
Richards told Judge Leuthold he wanted to go to a mental health facility as soon as he was released from custody. He told the court he had experienced a traumatic brain injury. When Leuthold asked him some basic questions, Richards was confused. Richards also told the court he was not guilty of the charges “I’m concerned about the defendant’s wishes to go directly to a mental health facility upon release from prison. I’m concerned about competency because he now says he is not guilty. I am ordering a District Five competency exam and a review of the defendant’s state of mind at the time of the offense.” Leuthold said.
The matter is continued under results of the exams are available.