Man gets jail after tearful courtroom plea

DAVE MOSIER/independent editor

A Van Wert man who tearfully entreated Judge Charles D. Steele to not send him to prison got his wish Wednesday during hearings held in Van Wert County Common Pleas Court.

John R. McGinnis, who had earlier pleaded guilty to trafficking in heroin, a fourth-degree felony, and has an extensive criminal record, was sentenced to six months in the Van Wert County Correctional Facility as part of a three-year community control term. He also was given a six-month driver’s license suspension, but would be allowed work release from jail, if employed.

McGinnis, who admitted he had a drug problem, said he entered a rehabilitation program prior to being charged with the trafficking offense and pleaded with the judge to allow him to continue the program.

“I understand that everything I did was wrong,” McGinnis told Judge Steele. “I beg you for a chance to continue (rehabilitation).”

The judge granted the request, noting that he was pleased with McGinnis’ progress in rehabilitation.

Also Wednesday, a Marion man was given three prison terms on separate counts of forgery.

Anthony W. Whitt, 27, was given three nine-month prison terms by Judge Steele, who ordered the sentences to be served concurrently with one another, and also with prison terms handed down in Auglaize County for similar offenses.

Whitt must also testify against a co-defendant in the case and pay $100 as restitution to Express Mart in Ohio City.

Two people also changed their pleas from not guilty to guilty on various felony offenses.

Brenda L. Schwartz, 26, entered guilty pleas to four separate counts of theft from an elderly person. All charges are fifth-degree felonies.

Van Wert County Prosecutor Charles F. Kennedy III noted that Schwartz took money four separate times from an 89-year-old county resident, stealing $526.86, $446, and $71.97 just before Christmas and $472.55 not long after New Year’s Day.

She faces a maximum of 12 months in prison on each of the four counts. Judge Steele ordered a presentence investigation and scheduled sentenced for 9 a.m. Wednesday, May 9.

Kyle E. Barnes, 25, of Van Wert, pleaded guilty to two counts of trafficking in marijuana, both fifth-degree felonies.

A presentence investigation was also ordered and sentencing set for 9 a.m. May 9.

Jessica Thompson of Van Wert admitted to violating her treatment in lieu of conviction program by using drugs, and trying to flush them down the toilet when caught, and failing to return for Westwood Behavioral Health Center for treatment after completing a substance abuse assessment.

Judge Steele ordered Thompson released from jail on electronically monitored house arrest and scheduled sentencing for 9 a.m. May 9.

Elmeco Crisp of Lima was jailed without bond for violating the terms of his personal surety bond. Crisp refused to take Breathalyzer or field sobriety tests when stopped by Van Wert police on March 23. Crisp, who will be sentenced on drug-related charges in Wednesday, April 18, will remain in jail until then.