BUCYRUS — Several defendants were arraigned on various felony charges Wednesday in Crawford County Common Pleas Court.
Jerome Clemons, of Bucyrus, was charged with one count of domestic violence, a fourth-degree felony punishable with up to 18 months in prison. Clemons, 41, retained attorney Tom Nicholson who was present in court to argue the issue of bail.
Common Pleas Judge Sean Leuthold accepted Clemons’ not guilty plea and then asked for arguments regarding bail.
Assistant prosecutor Ryan Hoovler told the court that the injuries in the case were not substantial. However, Hoovler noted that Clemons has a long history of criminal behavior dating back to the 1990s.
Nicholson told the court that although his client has a record, the facts of this case will bear out to the fact that the victim did not want charges filed against Clemons. He said the altercation was a struggle over a cell phone with a broken screen that scratch the alleged victim.
Leuthold reminded Nicholson that whether or not the victim wants to press charges is irrelevant if the state decides to pursue charges.
“I am not going to hold any crimes from the 1990s into consideration when deciding bond,” Leuthold said. “I will stick to Mr. Clemons’ record in this century. In light of these past charges and the fact that this has to be a second or third domestic violence charge to reach a felony level, I cannot allow a personal recognizance bond.”
Bond was set at $50,000 and Clemons was ordered to have no contact with the victim.
In other court action, Gloria Faye Kegley, 21 of Galion was charged with one count of possession of drugs, a third-degree felony punishable with up to 36 months in prison and two counts of drug paraphernalia both fourth-degree misdemeanors punishable with up to 90 days in jail. Attorney Brad Starkey was appointed to represent Kegley and bond was set at $100,000.
Bryan Awbrey, 47, of Galion was charged with possession of drugs a fifth-degree felony punishable with up to 12 months in prison, possession of dangerous drugs, Tizanidine Hydrochloride, also a fifth-degree felony punishable by up to 12 months in prison on each count, and drug paraphernalia, a fourth-degree felony punishable with up to 90 days in jail.
Before setting bond, Leuthold reviewed Awbrey’s record.
“I notice here that 11 years ago you were charged in a case that was dismissed. Is that correct?” Leuthold asked.
Awbrey indicated it was true.
“Well you must have had a heck of a lawyer…wait I was your lawyer!” Leuthold chuckled.
Leuthold made it clear that the case was more than 11 years old so there would be no conflict of interest. Bond was set at $50,000. Attorney Brian Gernert was appointed to represent Awbrey.
Wesley Jackson, 28, of Crestline was charged with one count of endangering children with drugs involved (cocaine), a third-degree felony punishable with up to 36 months in prison. Bond was set at $100,000. Attorney Grant Garverick was appointed to represent Jackson.
Kimberly Dauchenbaugh, 31, of Crestline was charged with one count of endangering children with drugs involved (cocaine), a third-degree felony punishable with up to 36 months in prison. Bond was set at $50,000 and attorney Sebastian Berger was appointed to represent her.
Tara Sandlin, 24, of Bucyrus was arraigned on one charge of felonious assault, a second-degree felony punishable with up to eight years in prison and one count of domestic violence, a first-degree misdemeanor punishable with up to 180 days in jail. Bond was set at $50,000. Attorney Brad Starkey was appointed to represent Sandlin.
Marissa Chapman, 23, of Shelby was charged with one count of tampering with evidence, a third-degree felony punishable with up to 36 months in prison, one count of possession of drugs, a fifth-degree felony punishable with up to 12 months in prison and one count of drug paraphernalia, a second-degree misdemeanor punishable with up to 60 days in jail. Attorney Tani Eyer was appointed to represent Chapman and bond was set at $50,000.