BUCYRUS—What started out to be a hearing to join two felony cases together against a Crestline man resulted in one charge being dismissed.
Charles Sampsel, 38, of Crestline, was initially charged with one count of corrupting another with drugs, a felony of the second degree punishable with up to 8 years in prison, and one count of possession of drugs, a felony of the third degree punishable with up to 36 months in prison.
Because the two charges stemmed from the same incident, Assistant Prosecutor Ryan Hoovler made a Joinder Motion to combine the cases.
Sampsel’s attorney Andrew Motter officially objected to the motion telling the court that the State’s witness, Mr. Sampsel’s girlfriend is now deceased and can no longer testify. Sampsel’s arrest was based on her testimony.
Crawford County Common Pleas Court Judge Sean Leuthold expressed his condolences: “First, the court is very saddened to hear about the young woman’s death. She was in court a couple of times. She was very young. She seemed like a nice person. Very sad.” Leuthold said.
After a brief recess, Leuthold returned to the bench to learn that the State and defense had reached an agreement.
According to Assistant Prosecutor Ryan Hoovler, the State agreed to dismiss the corruption charge against Sampsel but proceed with the third-degree felony drug possession charge.
In an agreed plea negotiation, Sampsel would plead guilty to the charge and receive a 12-month prison sentence. Hoovler agreed to allow Sampsel two weeks to get affairs in order and come back to court for his official sentencing.
Conditions of the arrangement include weekly drug tests, and if for some reason he does not comply with the terms and conditions of his personal recognizance bond, the State will seek the maximum sentence of 36 months in prison.
Judge Leuthold noted that based on Sampsel’s bond history, he was reluctant to agree to the negotiation but would because the plea was agreed to by both parties.
Sampsel’s original bond was $20,000. Following numerous violations, the bond ended up being $250,000.00.
Leuthold took Sampsel’s guilty plea and gave him a personal recognizance bond until his sentencing.
“You have failed to stay out on bond three or four times already. Understand if you violate bond, you have a lot to lose. You’ll be looking at 36 months in prison instead of the current sentence. You must report for drug testing each Monday till you are formally sentenced. You tested clean today, and that is in your favor.” Leuthold said.
Sampsel also agreed to forfeit all drug-related property, including cell phones, electronics, drones, and $1025.00 in cash.
Judge Leuthold will formally sentence Sampsel on October 13th at 9:30 am in the Crawford County Common Pleas Court.