BUCYRUS — A former Bucyrus man appeared in Crawford County Common Pleas Court on Tuesday for a hearing to dismiss the case pending against him.
Robert Skaggs, 45, currently incarcerated in the Crawford County Jail appeared in court with his attorney, Michael Siewert, for a motion to dismiss possession of drug charges against him.
After conferring with his attorney, Skaggs decided to plead no contest to the fifth-degree felony punishable with up to one year in prison. A no contest plea means that Skaggs did not admit guilt but agreed with the facts contained in police reports.
Common Pleas Judge Sean Leuthold determined, based on the evidence and after reviewing police reports, that Skaggs was indeed guilty and pronounced him guilty on the record.
Before sentencing, Leuthold asked the state, defense, and Skaggs himself if they had anything to say. The state had no comment. Siewert told the court that despite the plea his client was continuing with his motion to dismiss the case.
Skaggs apologized for taking the court’s time and thanked Leuthold for being fair.
Leuthold sentenced Skaggs to five years of community control. He must complete drug and alcohol assessment and whatever follow-up treatment is prescribed. He was also given a mandatory drug fine of $1250 and was ordered to forfeit all drug-related property to the appropriate authorities.
Siewert asked that his client’s cell phone be returned, and the state objected. Leuthold said he would look at the phone and if there was no drug activity found he could have the phone back.
“Look, you pleaded no contest because you didn’t want to admit the charges. You tested positive for meth while you were out on bond which is why you’ve sat in jail all this time,” Leuthold said. “Rob, I don’t know what’s going on with you but if you are mixed up in drugs in any way you have to get them out of your life. You can’t use drugs; you can’t hang out with people who use drugs and you can’t go places where drugs are.”
Leuthold told Skaggs that his appeal could go forward, and the appeals court’s decision will be followed. He noted that since this is Skaggs’ first offense, he is not prison eligible. However, if he violates the terms and conditions of his community control he could be sent to prison.
“But what’s most important here is that whether you win, lose, or draw on the appeal if you continue to use drugs you’re going to end up on the losing side,” Leuthold said. “It’s a dead-end road. You are talented and have lots of potential. You could live a long life. You’ve got plenty of things to do besides drugs.”
Leuthold told Skaggs he believed he was less than honest on his original drug assessment.
“Address your issues head on. Be honest in your assessment and tackle this problem,” Leuthold said.