BUCYRUS — Jennifer Claus of New Washington appeared in Crawford County Common Pleas Court on Monday to plead guilty to violating the terms and conditions of her community control.
Claus, 47, admitted that she was in possession of and using cocaine in Sandusky. She also admitted to having drug abuse instruments and paraphernalia. Claus made a general admission to the violation because she is currently facing possible charges in Sandusky.
In January, Claus admitted to one count of theft, a fifth-degree felony and six counts of forgery, all fifth-degree felonies and each one punishable with up to 12 months in prison. Claus was placed on community control and ordered to pay restitution to the victim.
By pleading guilty to the violation, Claus was immediately sentenced by Common Pleas Court Judge Sean Leuthold. The judge sentenced her to 59 months in prison. He did not rule out the possibility of a judicial release later.
In other court action, Brian Awbrey, 47, of Galion pleaded guilty to two counts of possession of drugs, each a fifth-degree felony and each punishable with up to 12 months in prison.
Leuthold sentenced Awbrey to five years of community control. He was ordered to receive drug and alcohol assessments and appropriate treatment. If Awbrey fails to complete community service, he faces 24 months in prison.
Brooke Davis, 26, of Bucyrus pleaded guilty to one count of possession of drugs one count of tampering with evidence, both third-degree felonies, each punishable with up to 36 months in prison.
Leuthold sentenced Davis to 24 months on each count for a total of 48 months in prison.
“You’re traveling down the road with five grams of meth on your person,” Leuthold said. “This is a deadly drug. You need to take a good look in the mirror and ask yourself how in the hell you got here.”
Davis told the court her boyfriend got her started with opiates and then she moved to meth.
“A lot of people say that people are pre-disposed to drug addiction. But that’s not the case here,” Leuthold said. “You have the power to change this. This is not an illness. You can stop using drugs and turn your life around. Half the battle for you is keeping you away from certain people.”
Davis will receive 56 days of jail time credit.
Chase Neubacher, 24, of Mansfield admitted to violating the terms and conditions of his community control when he was terminated from a treatment program in June.
Neubacher was placed on community control after he pleaded guilty to one count of possession of drugs, a fifth-degree felony punishable with up to 12 months in prison.
Leuthold sentenced Neubacher to 12 months in prison.
“Stay out of trouble when you get out of prison. You’re a smart guy,” Leuthold said. “You could have a very successful life.”