BUCYRUS, OH (CRAWFORD COUNTY NOW)—Carolyn Shireman, 72, of Bucyrus appeared in Crawford County Common Pleas Court on Tuesday for her final pretrial hearing on theft charges, a second-degree felony that carries a potential sentence of up to eight years in prison. The case is presided over by Visiting Judge VJ Hall.
Since her initial indictment, Shireman has faced additional charges, including telecommunications fraud, a third-degree felony punishable by up to 36 months in prison, and theft, a fourth-degree felony with a maximum penalty of 18 months. These new charges are linked to Shireman’s management of The Positive Seekers, a nonprofit organization.
During the hearing, Assistant Crawford County Prosecutor Ryan Hooveler requested that the court combine the cases for judicial efficiency, as they involve the same defendant. He noted that the investigation is ongoing, being conducted by both the state of Ohio and the Crawford County Sheriff’s Office.
However, Shireman’s attorney, Andrew Motter, opposed the consolidation of the cases, arguing that it unfairly portrayed Shireman’s actions as criminal by grouping unrelated issues. “This is merely a tool to make my client’s conduct appear criminal by attaching one issue to another,” Motter stated.
He asserted that the alleged financial discrepancies were unrelated to the nonprofit and that consolidating the cases would be prejudicial to Shireman. Motter told the court he believed evidence will prove Shireman innocent of any wrongdoing.
Judge Hall did not issue a ruling during Tuesday’s hearing. He continued Shireman’s bond as related to the recent charges.
He then instructed both parties to prepare briefs to be submitted by July 28th arguing their points made in open court.
Hall indicated he would make a determination after reviewing each side’s brief.
Shireman is scheduled for a Jury trial to begin on August 13 in the Crawford County Common Pleas Court.