BUCYRUS — James M. Rumbarger, 41, of Galion appeared in Crawford County Common Pleas Court on Monday to plead guilty to violating the terms and conditions of his community control.
According to Probation Officer Chris Heydinger, Rumbarger failed to appear for scheduled office visits and when he submitted to a urine test on November 15, he tested positive for the use of cocaine and admitted he had used the drug.
Rumbarger was placed on community control after pleading guilty to five counts of breaking and entering, all fifth-degree felonies.
When asked if he had anything to say before he was sentenced, Rumbarger said he regretted the bad decisions he had made. Judge Sean Leuthold had some harsh words for Rumbarger.
“I bet you do regret these decisions because you made a bunch of bad decisions,” Leuthold said. “I gave you a break and you go and do this. What am I supposed to do with you? You want me to ask you please or something?”
Leuthold sentenced Rumbarger to 59 months in prison.
“You’ve squandered your choices. You’re either going to wake up or spend a whole lot of time in prison,” Leuthold said.
In other court news, Jacob Amlotte, 21, of Mogadore pleaded guilty to violating the terms and conditions of his community control after Amlotte was stopped in Cleveland in October for driving while under suspension, speeding and a seat belt violation.
Judge Leuthold imposed a 10-year driver’s license suspension in 2017 when Amlotte pleaded guilty to failure to comply, a third-degree felony.
“When a judge orders your driving privileges suspended, and you drive, it’s a big deal,” Leuthold said. “Even worse, you were speeding and had no seat belt on.”
Amlotte’s attorney argued that his client had been doing well and was working. He told the court his client’s coworker was injured and he drove him to the emergency room. Upon further investigation by the court, it was discovered that Amlotte never took his coworker to the hospital.
“I never did buy your fish tale! You had been doing well before this occurred,” Leuthold said. “You had a job and were doing what your probation officer required.”
Leuthold continued Amlotte’s community control and ordered him to spend 60 days in the Crawford County Jail. Leuthold reminded Amlotte that he has nearly two years in prison hanging over his head.
“Think about that the next time you start to do something stupid,” Leuthold said. “And stay the hell from behind the wheel of any vehicle. I don’t want to send you to prison but I will.”
Logan Case, 22, of Bucyrus was sentenced to 24 months in prison on two charges of possession of drugs, both fourth-degree felonies. Case is also charged in a municipal court case that must be resolved before his sentence from Common Pleas Court begins.
“You’re a young man,” Leuthold told Case. “You have got to get your act together. You’ve wasted too much of your life in and out of trouble.”
“I’m tired,” Case told the court. “I don’t want to live this way anymore.”
Leuthold pointed out to Case that he always seems to feel there is a conspiracy against him, that people are out to get him.
“I’m going to be blunt with you, Logan, because I know you,” Leuthold said. “I know you are smart. You’ve got to let go of this persecution theory. No one is out to get you. The person doing you the most harm is you.”
Leuthold told Case he would consider judicial release in the future.
“I’m out to make you get yourself right, focus on what’s most important, which is your sobriety and moving forward.”
In the final business of Monday, a bench warrant was issued for David Rupe, 55, of Rushsylvania. Rupe was scheduled to appear in Crawford County Common Pleas Court for a pre-trial hearing. Rupe faces charges of deception to obtain a dangerous drug, a fifth-degree felony.
Court-appointed attorney Tani Eyer informed the court that she had attempted to contact Rupe to make sure he appeared. She also sent a letter confirming the time and date of the hearing. Leuthold ordered a bench warrant for Rupe’s arrest. When apprehended, Rupe is to be held without bail.