BUCYRUS — Timothy Bucher of Bucyrus appeared in Crawford County Common Pleas Court to plead guilty to an amended assault charge.
Bucher was originally charged with felonious assault, a second-degree felony punishable with up to 11 years in prison. In exchange for his guilty plea, the charge was amended to aggravated assault, a fourth-degree felony punishable with up to 18 months in prison.
Bucher, 51, admitted to causing a pit bull to attack the boyfriend of his former girlfriend. The dog’s bite caused serious injury to the victim’s leg.
Before passing sentence on Bucher, Common Pleas Court Judge Sean Leuthold allowed the victim to address the court. The victim told the court that the defendant was jealous of his relationship with his former girlfriend and that he still liked her. He said the defendant had planned the attack and had tried it unsuccessfully in the past.
Assistant prosecutor Ryan Hoovler declined comment. Court appointed defense attorney Grant Garverick told the court that his client had concerns about being able to return to his home when released from prison.
The victim, with whom Bucher is to have no contact, is living in the trailer his client owns. When asked if he had anything to say, Bucher said that the couple was homeless, and he allowed them to live in his carport. He said he allowed his former girlfriend to sleep in the house.
Bucher said he owned the trailer and was purchasing it on land contract and added that since his arrest, they had moved into the trailer together. He then asked the court about his rights as a property owner and if, when he gets out of prison, he would have to evict the couple.
Leuthold explained to Bucher that felony court does not handle property disputes and that evictions could be filed in the future. He advised Bucher to talk to his attorney. Bucher rolled his eyes at the Judge who became angry.
“Don’t sit there and act like, somehow, I have treated you badly. I’ve been very fair to you. You sicked a dog on this man and he received a serious bite,” Leuthold said. “Had that dog hit an artery, he could have bled out and you’d be here on a murder charge. This spiraled out of control here probably due to a relationship issue.
“I am not here to deal with property issues. This is damn felony court not Municipal Court,” Leuthold continued. “I’m not Judge Joe Brown or Judge Judy. I don’t deal with these disputes. I am here to settle matters in the felony court and that’s what I’m going to do.”
Leuthold sentenced Bucher to 18 months in prison with possible judicial release in the future. He was ordered to have no contact with the victim and will pay restitution for medical bills in an amount to be determined.
In other court action, Brandon Tuttle, 22, of Willard narrowly missed being arrested after he failed to show for a sentencing hearing earlier in the week. Tuttle’s court-appointed attorney, Brian Gernert, explained that he had reached Tuttle who had a difficult time getting a ride. Tuttle had been free on bond pending the sentencing hearing.
Tuttle pleaded guilty to one count of theft, a third-degree felony punishable with up to 36 months in prison. Gernert asked the court to give his client community control.
“He tried to arrange a ride to court but the ride fell through. However, he is here today,” Gernert said. “He has been gainfully employed. He helps take care of his disabled daughter. He passed a drug screen today and has no prior felonies.”
Leuthold inquired about the condition of his daughter. Tuttle said she has a fatal genetic disorder that results in a short life span. She is currently two years old.
“I’ve been working every day. My daughter suffers seizures every day, some that last five minutes or more,” Tuttle said. “Her life span is two to five years. I’m taking care of her. “
“You didn’t seem too concerned about your daughter when you were out committing crimes. Thirty-six months in prison is what I’m holding over your head.” Leuthold said.
Leuthold sentenced Tuttle to five years of community control.
“If you screw this up, what you hear will be for real,” Leuthold said. “I wish nothing but the best for you and your family, but if you are B***S****** me around, you will go to prison.”
Amber Booher, 30, of Bucyrus was charged with violating the terms and conditions of her community control. Booher was placed on community control in April after she pleaded guilty to two counts of theft, both fourth-degree felonies and each punishable with up to 18 months in prison.
According to probation officer Mark Alspach, Booher was found in possession of drug abuse instruments on October 1. She tested positive for amphetamines, meth and Suboxone. Alspach was informed by family services that Booher gave birth to a child addicted to amphetamines, methamphetamines, fentanyl and meth. New charges are pending.
Leuthold appointed attorney Tani Eyer to represent Booher. Bond was set at $150,000.