By Kathy Laird, Crawford County Now Contributor

James Zeger appeared in Crawford County Common Pleas Court on Thursday morning to answer charges of violating his community control related to 2014 crimes against the elderly.

In July, 2014 Zeger was placed on three years’ community control and ordered to pay more than $18,000 in restitution to the victims of his crimes. Stealing from the elderly is a third degree felony punishable by up to three years in prison. Zeger’s community control is set to expire on July 30, but probation officials reported that Zeger had not paid anything toward the restitution, although he is currently employed.

Judge Sean Leuthold made it clear he does not tolerate crimes against the elderly, and ordered additional hearings to determine if Zeger’s probation will be extended and to consider whether this violation will include prison time.

“The reason you were not sent to prison is because this case was resolved before I took the bench,” Leuthold said. “It’s a new day in Crawford County.”

Attorney Tom Nicholson was appointed to represent Zeger at the upcoming hearings.

In other court business:

  • Denver Hedges made an initial appearance for violating his felony probation. Hedges was placed on felony probation for charges of non-payment of child support.

  • Michael Friebel pleaded guilty to two counts of improper handling of a firearm, one count of possession of drugs and one count of possession of drug paraphernalia. Sentencing was placed on hold to allow Friebel, 21, a chance to complete the intervention in lieu of conviction program.