BUCYRUS—A former Bucyrus man appeared in Crawford County Common Pleas Court on Monday to seek judicial release from the Crawford County Jail.
Robert A. Skaggs, 45, of Garrison, Kentucky appeared before Crawford County Common Pleas Court Judge Sean Leuthold Monday.
In July, Skaggs pleaded guilty to one count of possession of drugs, a felony of the fifth degree punishable with up to 12 months in prison. Skaggs was placed on five years of community control. In October, Skaggs failed a routine drug screen when he tested positive meth. Instead of sending Skaggs to prison, Judge Leuthold opted to put him in jail for the remainder of his sentence with 143 days of jail time credit.
Skaggs appeared before Leuthold to ask for judicial release along with his attorney Ed Bibler.
Before making a decision about judicial release, Judge Leuthold heard from assistant prosecutor Ryan Hoovler who explained why he was against giving Skaggs an opportunity. Hoovler noted Skagg’s history of using drugs while on community control and the fact that he faces five unresolved first-degree misdemeanor cases in Municipal Court. “He has done nothing that should earn him this opportunity,” Hoovler said. Skaggs is charged with a total of five counts of stalking and telephone harassment. Skaggs’ attorney told the court his client is bonded on his own recognizance on those pending charges.
“I want to make it clear, these are purely allegations. Mr. Skaggs has not been tried or pled guilty. The Law allows me to look at pending matters when granting a judicial release.” Leuthold said.
Leuthold told Skaggs that his honesty during sentencing went a long way in his decision. “You came in here and admitted you have a problem. You said you were looking into treatment in Kentucky and that you wanted to get your life back on track. I’m going to let you out to go to Kentucky for this treatment. I want you to get some help. You’re talented. I think you can get this thing turned around. If you can get yourself together we have the option of ending your control early. But no matter how talented and gifted you are meth will undermine anything you do.” Leuthold said.
Skaggs was ordered released today but must report to supervising probation officer Eric Bohach Tuesday morning. Bohach is in charge of transferring Skaggs’ case to Kentucky. However, if Skagg’s fails, he must come back to Bucyrus and stand before Judge Leuthold.
Skaggs was ordered to stay out of trouble, to consume no alcohol, drugs or have any direct or indirect contact with the victim in the other cases. He was also ordered to abide by all other terms and conditions as outlined by his probation