BUCYRUS—Jason Tupps, 46, of Galion, appeared in Crawford County Common Pleas Court Wednesday to seek a continuation of his rape trial that was set to begin next week.
The former corrections officer is charged with one count of rape, a felony of the first degree, and one count of domestic violence, a felony of the fourth degree. If convicted, Tupps could face more than 16 years in prison.
Retired Visiting Judge Howard Hall is presiding over the Tupps case. Tupps is represented by Mansfield attorney James Mayer III.
The case is being prosecuted by special prosecutor Bill Walton of the Ohio Attorney General’s Office. Walton joined the trial by telephone because he is recovering from COVID.
James Mayer explained to the court that he needed additional time to prepare for trial. Mayer explained that there are more than 40 hours of audio recording in and around the offense date. Mayer is also in trial prep for a capital murder case in Ashland. He was recently retained by Jacqueline Montgomery, who is now charged with first-degree murder in the Crestline beating death of Michael Benedict.
Special prosecutors initially argued for a high bond in the Tupps case citing a crumbling marriage, an alleged rape, and domestic violence. Prosecutors asserted Tupps’ wife had injuries and that he had stalked her and shown up at her place of employment to cause trouble.
Bond was set for Tupps at $100,000. He was ordered to wear a GPS device and an alcohol monitor.
Tupps has been unable to secure bond and remains in custody. Judge Hall set the three-day trial to begin on February 14th at 9 am.
Crawford County Now will be in the courtroom, bringing you the details first, fast and free on Crawford County Now.