BUCYRUS, OH (CRAWFORD COUNTY NOW)—Forty-two-year-old Timothy Carnes of Bucyrus was sentenced on Tuesday in Crawford County Common Pleas Court. Carnes was convicted of felonious assault following a jury trial in early February, although he was acquitted of felony strangulation.
During the sentencing hearing, Judge Sean Leuthold heard arguments from the prosecution and defense. The court also considered a statement from the victim, Carnes’ wife, which was read silently by Judge Leuthold.
Assistant Prosecutor Dan Stanley highlighted Carnes’ refusal to take responsibility for the violent attack, pointing out instances where Carnes made threatening statements while incarcerated.
Stanley emphasized that Carnes continued to blame the victim and the court even after his conviction, urging the court to impose a maximum sentence of 12 years in prison.
In defense, attorney Thomas Nicholson accused the state of selectively presenting statements to portray Carnes negatively. Nicholson argued that the victim provoked Carnes by sending inappropriate texts, describing his client as all talk and having no prior history of violence. Nicholson requested a sentence less than the maximum, citing Carnes’ clean record and supportive family.
Judge Leuthold rejected the defense’s attempt to shift blame onto the victim, highlighting the jury’s guilty verdict.
“A nasty text is not enough to provoke, in my opinion, to facilitate or cause, or provide cause for a large and strong man to slam his wife around, like she was a ragdoll.” Leuthold said.
Describing the assault as a serious act of violence with significant physical harm, Judge Leuthold addressed the prevalence of violence against women in society.
“The victim, did not smash herself in her head into a wall. The victim did not cut herself or cause injuries to herself.” Leuthold said.
Due to the nature of the crime falling under the Reagan Tokes Act, an indeterminate sentence was imposed, allowing for adjustments based on Carnes’ behavior in prison.
Ultimately, Judge Leuthold sentenced Carnes to a minimum of seven years to a maximum of 10 1/2 years in prison, with 18 months of post-release control following his term. Carnes was credited with 47 days of jail time served.
Judge Leuthold appointed attorney William Cramer to assist Carnes with his right to appeal.