BUCYRUS — One of the defendants in what police dubbed “The Grinch” case appeared in Crawford County Common Pleas Court on Thursday to change her plea.
Jerri Dix-Mahoney, 31, of Galion pleaded guilty to two counts of theft, both fifth-degree felonies, two counts of first-degree misdemeanor theft, and one count of criminal trespass, a fourth-degree misdemeanor. Dix-Mahoney admitted to stealing Christmas decorations in Galion.
Judge Sean Leuthold said that Dix-Mahoney was not prison eligible based on the offenses she committed. Leuthold sentenced Dix-Mahoney to 13 months in the Crawford County Jail and then she is to be placed on five years of community control.
According to testimony, Dix-Mahoney had recently had her children taken from her custody after a boyfriend hit her son. Dix-Mahoney told the court that her boyfriend is currently in prison.
“You’re 31 years old. Do you think it’s a good idea to have that kind of guy around your kids? Your job is to protect your children, Leuthold said. “You move this guy in your house when you barely know him. Let me guess; he didn’t work, did he?”
Dix-Mahoney admitted he did not work.
“Imagine that, and he’s a criminal,” Leuthold said. “You cannot bring violent criminals around your children. Are you really surprised that you lost custody of them?
“You let this guy around you; you lost your kids and then took your anger out on innocent victims. What did this 77-year-old gentleman ever do you? At his age, he made a trip to get his decorations back and put them back up for his community to enjoy.”
Leuthold went on to note that in small communities like Galion people look out for one another and that Christmas is a very special time for them.
Dix-Mahoney told the judge that she lost her job, her house and her children all at the same time. Leuthold told her that her life had taken a very wrong turn. He told Dix-Mahoney that he was going to punish her as harshly as law allows, but then he would try to help her get her life back on track.
Leuthold said he planned to put Dix-Mahoney on his ISAT (Intensive Supervision and Treatment) program.
“You can’t get much lower than you are right now,” Leuthold said. “I don’t like what you did and I’m sending you to jail. But I am also going to put you on a short leash. I’m going to be in your life the next five years. You have nowhere to go but up.”
In other court action, Garrett Schott, 25, of Galion nearly set a record for the shortest time spent on community control before violating the terms and conditions of his supervision.
Schott was released from jail on January 28 with orders to report to his supervising officer Chris Heydinger on January 29. Schott appeared for his appointment and Heydinger did a routine drug test. Schott tested positive for meth, methamphetamines and alcohol. Schott admitted to celebrating his release the night before.
After brief negotiations with Schott’s attorney, Brad Starkey, and assistant prosecutor Ryan Hoovler, Schott pleaded guilty to violating the terms and conditions of his community control. He was sentenced to 12 months in prison.
Amanda Ogle, 35, of Galion pleaded guilty to violating the terms and conditions of her community control. According to probation officer Mark Alspach, Ogle tested positive for meth, methamphetamines and opiates including heroin. The drug test was administered by Children’s Services after Ogle gave birth. Alspach said the test, taken on December 22 had to be verified, delaying the filing of the violation.
Ogle’s son tested positive for the presence of drugs in his system at birth. Leuthold pointed out to Ogle that she had some signs of serious long-term meth usage.
“I can see you’ve been on drugs a long time,” Leuthold said. “Prolonged use of meth creates mental health issues, general health issues and premature aging.”
During testimony it was revealed that Ogle had four children, all living in separate homes. Leuthold told Ogle she had made some terrible choices.
“Looking at you now, I can see you are in no way prepared to be a parent.,” Leuthold said.
Ogle said she had been sober for some time. Leuthold reminded her that she had lied to herself and others about her drug usage, trying to claim she was given the drugs on a visit to the emergency room.
“No ER anywhere is going to prescribe meth as a treatment for anything,” Leuthold said. “At best, you’ve been sober for about 16 days since you’ve been in jail. That’s nothing impressive. This innocent baby did not ask to be born on drugs; your other children are innocent victims of your behavior.”
Leuthold sentenced Ogle to the maximum time possible which is 12 months in prison.
“I know the defendant is hoping for mercy down the road and I’m not sure what we will do,” Leuthold said. “But for now, get her out of here.”