BUCYRUS — A Bucyrus woman was sentenced in Crawford County Common Pleas Court on Thursday afternoon to 42 months in prison.
Kimberly Fox, 33, of Bucyrus pleaded guilty to having weapons while under disability, a third-degree felony, punishable with up to 36 months in prison and possession of drugs, a fifth-degree felony, carrying a sentence of up to six months in prison.
According to the charges, Fox drank an entire bottle of whiskey, possibly used meth, took a 16-gauge rifle and a knife all with the intent to harm herself.
Judge Sean Leuthold told a tearful Fox that having been caught probably saved her life.
“It’s fortunate that you are here with us today. This could have been a far worse tragedy,” Leuthold said. “You could be spending your life behind bars if someone had been hurt as a result of your behavior.”
Fox was represented by Bucyrus attorney Tani Eyer who explained to the court that Fox had been battling mental health issues for some time. Leuthold said that he agreed with Eyer and that he planned to address the mental health issues in sentencing.
Leuthold sentenced Fox to the full 42 months in prison but told her he would not oppose and early release.
“I’m sure you don’t like the idea of going to prison but in this case, we need to get you cleaned up, off the booze and drugs and get you thinking straight,” Leuthold said. “When I see you down the road, we can get you on the right path.”
Fox addressed the court through tears and said she had lost her life. Leuthold was quick to correct her and tell that she is young enough to get her life back on track.
“You haven’t lost your life or freedom for the next 25 years. You’re young and you can rebuild,” Leuthold said.
In other cases, Brooklyn Gilliland, 30, formerly of Bucyrus was granted judicial release from prison. Gilliland was serving an 18-month sentence at the Ohio Reformatory for Women in Marysville.
Gilliland was placed on five years of community control. She was also ordered to complete drug and alcohol treatment.
“Your history does not give you a lot of leeway. You have got to stop hanging around with people that are in this business,” Leuthold said. “If you don’t you are going right back to prison.”
Valerie Hurrell, 44, of Tiro pleaded guilty to possession of drugs, a fifth-degree felony. She was placed on five years of community control. She was ordered to forfeit all drug-related property to the Crawford County Sherriff.
Hurrell told the court, “I apologize for my behavior and I vow to be a better mother and grandmother.”
“You’d better be or you’re going to prison,” Leuthold said.