BUCYRUS—Charles Sampsel, 38, of Crestline, appeared in Crawford County Common Pleas Court on Wednesday to ask Judge Sean Leuthold to withdraw his guilty plea to possession of drugs, a felony of the third degree punishable with up to 36 months in prison.
In the original plea negotiation, a second-degree felony was dismissed, and Sampsel was to be sentenced to 12 months in prison at his Wednesday hearing. The court extended the sentencing hearing until Wednesday on the condition that Sampsel drug test weekly. Sampsel reported late for his drug screen and then tested positive for meth. Judge Leuthold revoked Sampsel’s original bond and eventually set it at $200,000.
Judge Leuthold had warned Sampsel that if he didn’t comply with bond, the plea deal could be thrown out, and he could receive the maximum sentence of 36 months in prison.
Sampsel’s attorney, Andrew Motter, filed a motion to withdraw his client’s guilty plea and start the case anew.
Judge Leüthold told Sampsel he would issue a decision on the motion. He reminded Sampsel that if he granted the motion, the original charges would be reinstated and that those would include a second-degree felony.
In other court news, Jamie Hall, 39, of Bucyrus, pleaded guilty to one count of felony child non-support, a fifth-degree felony punishable with up to 12 months in prison. Judge Leuthold sentenced Hall to five years of community control. He must pay on arrears and stay current on child support payments.
Clay Gilley, 29, of Galion, pleaded guilty to one count of possession of drugs, a felony of the fifth degree punishable with up to 12 months in prison. Judge Leuthold sentenced Gilley to five years of community control. He must forfeit all drug-related property.