By Krystal Smalley
ksmalley@wbcowqel.com
A woman who eluded police for over two months was arraigned on a second-degree felony robbery charge in Crawford County Common Pleas Court Thursday.
Melinda Sue Smith appeared on video conference from the Crawford County Justice Center for the arraignment, dressed in orange and sitting in a chair in the mostly vacant room. Judge Sean Leuthold read the charge brought against Smith, alleging that she had committed a theft offense, attempted to cause physical harm, and immediately fled after the incident on June 6.
According to the police report, which assistant prosecutor Rob Kidd read, officers were dispatched to the Shell gas station at 990 W. Main St. in Crestline after the dispatcher was advised of a robbery committed at gunpoint there. Though the suspect already fled, officers were able to gather statements from eyewitnesses who described the vehicle used in the robbery and a description of the alleged suspect. The witnesses placed a woman at the scene of the crime wearing a hooded sweatshirt.
A warrant was issued for Smith on June 11 after police connected her to the armed robbery at the gas station just five days before. The United States Marshals Service Northern Ohio Violent Fugitive Task Force apprehended Smith Thursday morning.
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“This is a serious offense. I do believe a relatively high bond is appropriate,” Kidd stated before listing Smith’s extensive criminal record, which included two domestic violence charges, multiple failures to appear, receiving stolen property, and forgery.
While Leuthold mulled over Kidd’s request for a $250,000 bond, Smith could be seen bent over in the chair and moaning. He asked if she was feeling all right.
“You’d be sick if you didn’t do it too,” Smith told Leuthold.
As Smith’s physical ailments became apparent, Leuthold cited of possible withdrawal symptoms, her prior felonies, and the time it took for police to apprehend her in setting bond at $1 million.
“I think a high bond is necessary to protect the public,” Leuthold said. He entered a not guilty plea for Smith and appointed Tim O’Leary as her attorney.
If convicted Smith could face a maximum prison sentence of eight years and a $15,000 fine.