BUCYRUS―A Leesville woman received maximum sentences and comments from an angry and frustrated Judge.
Kimberly Dauchenbaugh, 31, pled guilty to one count of permitting drug abuse, a felony of the fifth degree punishable with up to twelve months in prison, and one count of endangering children, a felony of the third degree punishable with up to 36 months in prison.
Dauchenbaugh admitted she allowed drug trafficking in her home in the presence of her 11-month-old son. Her son later tested positive for cocaine and oxycodone resulting in the endangering of children felony.
Crawford County Common Pleas Court Judge Sean Leuthold threw the book at Dauchenbaugh giving her a total of 48 months in prison. Leuthold did not hold anything back as he sentenced Dauchenbaugh.
“It sounds like there was drug usage in the home and drug trafficking. Any idea how the little guy tested positive for drugs? Of course, you have no idea because you’re high on oxycodone and allowing drug abusers, dealers and God knows who else around this innocent child. You were taking care of your child while you were using drugs. If we can’t count on you to take care of your own child then who the hell is? This little guy did nothing to deserve this,” said Leuthold.
He went on to talk about the real victims of drug abuse, the children.
“Wasn’t this just a lovely environment for a child? I’m upset because over the past several months I’ve dealt with case after case like this. I’ve seen children near death, on ventilators, sexually abused and struggling to try to have some kind of a normal life. They pay the price because their parents are too busy partying,” Leuthold said. “I can’t count on you to take care of him because you’re too frickin high on cocaine and meth. Every child associated with this is a victim.”
Leuthold ordered the maximum sentences to run consecutively for a total of 48 months in prison. Dauchenbaugh will forfeit all drug-related property to the appropriate authorities.
Leuthold also ordered Dauchenbaugh to have no contact with the child.
“I can’t think of any reason at this time that I’d ever let you see this child. You have to convince me to permit that. If I ever let you out you are not going to have any association with drug users, dealers, or any felons, I don’t care if one of the felons is the child’s father,” Leuthold said. “Under my watch, things will change. She made her bed and now she’s going to lie in it.”