By Bob Strohm
bstrohm@wbcowqel.com
Much like an episodic television show both afternoon cases at the Crawford County Common Pleas Court were left with a to-be-continued ending.
The trial of Jacob Laurence was continued, but not before defense attorney Adam Stone requested that an outside expert be used in reconstructing the crime scene. Laurence is charged with assaulting Bucyrus Police Chief Dave Koepke during a shoplifting incident at a Bucyrus pharmacy.
Crawford County Assistant Prosecutor Ryan Hoovler argued, “This is a collision after a theft. I am not sure if there is need of an expert with the burden falling to the public.”
The ruling on the motion was continued for later in the week in order for Hoovler to provide Stone with his copy of the Standard Operating Procedure. If Stone believes that something is discoverable, then the motion of an expert will be decided upon.
Tony Gulley’s day in court was continued as well. Gulley is also represented by Stone who submitted a motion to suppress evidence against Gulley. Gulley is charged with felony 2 drug trafficking.
Stone debated whether or not an investigation four to five months in length was reasonable cause to arrest Gulley on a traffic citation which he claims led to coercion of his client and an involuntary statement after interrogation.
Crawford County Sheriff’s Office Detective Craig Moser was called to the stand and testified that during the investigation of Patrick Thompson he had noticed Gulley through surveillance.
According to testimony, prior to arresting Gulley, Moser contacted his superior, Sgt. Chris Heydinger, to ask if Gulley should be taken into custody. Heydinger confirmed that Moser should arrest Gulley.
After Gulley had entered Bucyrus city limits Moser radioed Bucyrus police officer Kirk Bursby to pull Gulley over. Gulley was asked to step out of the car, arrested and read his Miranda rights.
During cross examination, Stone asked Moser if a search warrant was conducted of Gulley’s home or if Gulley had anything illegal on him at the time of his arrest. Moser answered no to both questions.
Moser also revealed during cross examination that an arrest report of Gulley was not written and that Moser used probable cause as reason for the arrest.
Bursby was next called to the stand and confirmed that he was radioed by Moser to stop Gulley and to help execute the arrest.
After cross examination, the hearing was continued for a ruling later in the week.