BUCYRUS—After being on the lam nearly a month a former Bucyrus resident and Nashville recording artist was captured and made his initial appearance in Crawford County Common Pleas Court Thursday morning.
Robert Skaggs, 45, of Garrison, Kentucky was apprehended on a warrant issued out of Crawford County following a foot pursuit by Crawford County Sheriff deputies.
Skaggs was originally charged with possession of meth in 2019.
In July of 2020 after being found guilty Skaggs was placed on five years of community control. In October of 2020, he tested positive for meth and was sentenced to 12 months in county jail. He was given an early release from jail in December of 2020.
Skaggs also faced a case that included stalking charges in Crawford County Municipal Court and failed to appear for sentencing in early April.
According to the chief probation officer Eric Bohach, Skaggs failed to report to his probation officer in Kentucky and came back to Ohio without the permission of Kentucky probation officials.
Acting on a tip, Bohach alerted the Crawford County Sheriff’s Department on Skaggs whereabouts. When officers arrived, Skaggs fled on foot out the back door of a trailer and through a field toward a woods. He was apprehended and taken to the Crawford County Jail. Bohach told the court Skaggs refused to take a drug test after his apprehension.
Crawford County Common Pleas Court Judge Sean Leüthold entered a not guilty plea on Skaggs behalf. At Skaggs request, attorney Andrew Motter was appointed to represent him.
Leüthold took recommendations for a bond. Assistant prosecutor Ryan Hoovler outlined several incidences of Skaggs’ disregard for the court that included failing drug tests, fleeing the state, and failure to appear for sentencing in Municipal court. Hoovler also reminded the court that the original bonding agent asked to be dismissed as the bonding agent became concerned when Skaggs did not comply with their bond regulations regarding his living address. The agency was released from the bond.
Based on the history of the case Hoovler asked for a $100,000.00 bond.
Andrew Motter told the court that at this point his client is completely destitute and felt the bond was extremely high.
Officer Bohach told the court that he was concerned for Skaggs’ safety. Bohach told the court that at past times and as recent as yesterday Skaggs expressed suicidal ideations.
Judge Leüthold expressed his concern for Skaggs: “The underlying charge is an F5 possession of meth. Meth is a very dangerous drug. It causes paranoia and other mental health issues. I agree with Mr. Motter that his client is destitute and not able to make bond. When you’re on the run with alleged addiction it’s going to be very difficult to work.” Leuthold said.
Leüthold explained the weight of the evidence is heavily in favor of the state.
“ I am very concerned about Mr.Skaggs mental health. The last thing we would ever want to happen Is for Mr. Skaggs to harm himself. I do agree with Mr. Moter that it will be difficult for Mr. Skaggs to make any bond. I am going to lower this bond however to $25,000.00 cash.” Leüthold said.
Leüthold ordered the matter set for a full hearing. Skaggs is currently being held at the Crawford County Jail.