By Gary Ogle
gogle@wbcowqel.com
Guilty pleas to diverse charges in unrelated cases resulted in a diversity of sentences and sentencing recommendations on Thursday afternoon in Crawford County Common Pleas Court. Three of the sentences mean prison time.
With two previous felonies and charged with two counts of felony 5 drug trafficking, 57-year-old Forrest Elliott Sr. was sentenced to two 10-month prison terms that Judge Sean Leuthold ordered to be served consecutively for a total of 20 months.
Fifty-seven-year-old Butler, Pa., resident Larry Steinheiser was just passing through the area on his way to Colorado in December. However, his plans have taken a detour to prison following his guilty plea to fourth-degree felony burglary.
While in the area Steinheiser was caught in a private residence petting the resident’s dog while the resident was home. Assistant Prosecutor Ryan Hoovler said there was no indication Steinheiser had intentions of stealing anything or otherwise doing harm.
Steinheiser was sentenced to eight months in prison and fined $1,000.
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Thirty-three-year-old Jamie Weithman pleaded guilty to drug trafficking, permitting drug abuse and drug possession – all fifth-degree felony charges. Weithman was sentenced to prison terms of 10 months on the trafficking and drug abuse counts and six months for possession.
The sentences were ordered to be served consecutively for a total of 26 months.
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Eighteen-year-old Sierra Newmeyer pleaded guilty to one count of felony 4 drug trafficking and two counts of felony 4 drug possession.
Newmeyer, who was not prison eligible according to state statute, waived her right to a pre-sentence investigation and was sentenced immediately to five years of community control, fined $2,500 and ordered to complete an approved drug and alcohol counseling program.
Newmeyer also must forfeit seized items to authorities including drug paraphernalia, $362.10 in cash and a 2001 Honda Civic.
“The bottom line is you got a break,” Common Pleas Court Judge Leuthold told Newmeyer. “You may have had to forfeit some money, forfeit your car – God help you, you sell drugs again you’ll forfeit your freedom.”
Fifty-three-year-old James Ernsberger pleaded guilty to third-degree felony compelling prostitution and fourth-degree felony attempted unlawful sexual conduct with a minor. A fifth-degree felony charge of importuning was dismissed by the prosecution.
Going over the facts of the case for clarification, the judge indicated Ernsberger was originally talking with a woman on the phone who was of age, but then handed the phone to her 15-year-old sister. That conversation ended up in a discussion of a sexual nature, such that it led to charges being filed.
Leuthold ordered a pre-sentence investigation prior to actual sentencing. The recommended sentence for Ernsberger is five years of community control that will begin after he serves six months in the county jail. He was also fined $1,000 and would be considered a Tier II sexual offender meaning he will have to periodically report to the local Sheriff’s Office of his county of residence for 25 years.
Should Ernsberger fail to successfully complete his term of community control he would be subject to a prison sentence of up to 54 months.
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Bryan Shorter was arraigned on a charge of felony 5 drug possession with the drug being LSD. The judge appointed Brian Gernert as Shorter’s legal counsel and set bond at $50,000.