By Kathy Laird
CCN Correspondent
Devin Lutz, 24, of Bucyrus chose to accept a plea deal, hours before his trial was to begin in Crawford County Common Pleas Court.
Lutz was charged with unlawful sexual contact with a minor and theft of a firearm. In a negotiated plea agreement, the charge of unlawful sexual contact with a minor was reduced from a fourth-degree felony to a first-degree misdemeanor. The charge for theft of a firearm remained as a third-degree felony. Before announcing sentence on Lutz, Judge Sean Leuthold allowed both sides to make statements.
Assistant Prosecutor Ryan Hoovler explained his reasoning for reducing the charge of unlawful sexual contact with a minor. Noting the victim was aware of the sentence change, Hoovler said that she had not been cooperative with the prosecution. Hoovler went on to explain that Lutz’s family cared very much about him, but were at wits end with him. They said that Lutz’s “entitled” attitude made them realize that the only way to save him would be a stint in prison. Hoovler said the prosecution would not oppose an early release.
“I hope he will do time, come back out and get his life on track,” Hoovler said.
Defense attorney James Mayer thanked the court for one final pre-trial before engaging in a jury trial. He noted he also talked with Lutz’s family members and that they want what is best for Lutz. When it came his turn to speak, Lutz also thanked the court, his attorney and prosecutors for the final pre-trial.
“I know my family loves me,” Lutz said.
When it came time for Leuthold to speak, he minced no words with the defendant. Noting that he agreed with the prosecution’s decision to reduce the first charge. Leuthold said he received information that the victim was representing herself as older than she was. He said the decision to reduce that charge was based on discussions with the family and victim.
He then sentenced Lutz to ninety days in jail with credit given for jail time served.
Moving on to the theft of the firearm, Leuthold told Lutz he listened to his recorded conversations that occurred in the jail.
“I heard how you spoke to your father and your grandmother. You were disrespectful, belligerent and clearly entitled. You acted that way on a regular basis,” Leuthold said. “You think you’re smarter than anyone. I’m in a robe and you’re in an orange jumpsuit, now who’s the smarter one?”
Telling Lutz that he did not intend on being slack regarding his case, Leuthold told the defendant that he was going to make some changes.
“You’re going to get with the program. Your mother couldn’t get you with the program, your father couldn’t get you with the program, but I’m going to get you with the program. You’ve acted like a horse’s ass and you
haven’t accomplished anything,” Leuthold said. “You come in here acting smug, and tell me, where that attitude has gotten you?”
Telling Lutz he needed to become a good son, a good grandson and a good citizen, Leuthold told Lutz if he didn’t shape up he would serve every single day of his sentence. Leuthold told Lutz he needed to live a disciplined life, then sentenced him to 36 months in prison with the possibility of an early release.
“Your parents love you, your grandmother loves you, I sure as heck don’t. I don’t even like you,” Leuthold said. “The next time I see you, you had better be the most respectful willing-to-please young man I’ve ever seen. You’re going to do what I say, when I say and how I say. Do you understand?”
Lutz indicated that he understood everything.
Lutz will be given credit for jail time served.