By Kathy Laird
CCN Correspondent
Cody Redmond, 26, of Bucyrus appeared before Crawford County Common Pleas Court Judge Sean Leuthold for sentencing Tuesday.
Redmond has been in custody at the Crawford County Justice Center since he was found guilty of a forgery charge. Redmond went to Walmart in Bucyrus and purchased a television with counterfeit $20 bills.
Redmond chose to take his case before a jury where he was found guilty of the charge. Leuthold had Redmond taken into custody while a pre-sentence investigation was being conducted. Redmond appeared with his attorney Tom Nicholson.
Leuthold gave both the state and the defense the opportunity to argue the sentencing. It also was noted that Redmond currently is facing a theft charge in Marion, a charge that occurred while he was out on bond but before his trial.
Assistant Prosecutor Ryan Hoovler argued that Redmond doesn’t understand the gravity of his behavior.
“He’d better wake up and realize that being a thief is not a life that is going to work for him.”
Hoovler then asked the court to impose a nine-month jail sentence.
“He needs to realize his actions have consequences” Hoovler said.
Nicholson made several points on Redmond’s behalf.
“Mr. Redmond has a strong family. He is below average on the intelligence scale and spent his time in school in special classes. He has no prior adult felonies, this was not a violent crime and he feels he can be successful on the probation program,” Nicholson said.
When asked if he had anything to say Redmond addressed the court.
“I want to apologize for not paying attention to the bills. If you grant me probation, you won’t see me again.”
Redmond’s statement drew ire from Leuthold.
“I don’t know why you keep claiming this ridiculous story that you bought and sold items on the day in question from three different people who all gave you the same counterfeit money with the same serial number,” Leuthold said. “The odds of that happening are probably about a billion to one.”
Leuthold went on to explain that he did not believe that Redmond had learning disabilities. In fact, he said Redmond was smart. Leuthold told Redmond he’d give him one more chance to come clean before he handed down the sentence.
Redmond then admitted that he got the money from a man in Marion who told him how to pass the fake money.
“You did yourself some good, because I had a sentence written down for,” Leuthold said. “The fact that you are a so-called slow learner is a bunch of hogwash, it’s true you did not have the best life, but you’re not dumb and you are capable of doing better. You made some dumb decisions, including that Mohawk you’re sporting in court,” Leuthold said.
He went on to advise Redmond to do his time and get a job and go about the business of being a good father to his daughter.
“You have a child now which is your number one priority,” Leuthold said.
Leuthold decided to give Redmond a flat jail sentence and not place him on community control. Because Redmond lied on the stand, Leuthold sentenced him to five months in the Crawford County Justice Center with credit for time served.
“Grow your hair out. It looks stupid. Buck it up and get a job, earn a paycheck and take care of your child,” Leuthold said. “There is an innocent four-month-old baby who needs a good family. Do you want to be the father whose picture and crimes are all over Crawford County Now or do you want to be the father your daughter can be proud of? If you choose you can have a vastly different life.”