Man who stabbed brother sentenced

DAVE MOSIER/independent editor

A man who stabbed his brother during an argument over a woman was sentenced in Van Wert County Common Pleas Court on Wednesday.

Caleb Mech, 26, of Van Wert, was sentenced to three years of community control, including up to six months in the Western Ohio Regional Treatment and Habilitation (WORTH) Center in Lima, on a charge of aggravated assault, a fourth-degree felony offense. Mech must also pay restitution of approximately $59,000 for medical expenses incurred by his 22-year-old brother, Isaac, after Mech stabbed him in the neck behind CJ Sidepockets on North Washington Street on June 6 in a fight over a woman.

Mech was originally charged with a second-degree felony assault charge in connection with his brother’s stabbing, but pleaded guilty August 1 to a reduced charge in the case. Isaac Mech was life-flighted to Lutheran Hospital of Indiana in Fort Wayne for treatment following the incident and was listed in critical condition for a time.

Eric Mech, father and pastor of both men, spoke during the younger Mech’s sentencing hearing, noting that Isaac Mech wants a chance to reunite with his brother, who has been in jail since the June 6 stabbing incident. “What he wants is the mending between himself and Caleb,” the elder Mech said.

“The situation, from where I understand it, involved brothers, a girl and alcohol,” the father said. “It was one that would spiral out of control.”

Noting that his elder son has spent three months in jail, the men’s father added, “It’s been a toll on our family, on Isaac, on Caleb, and we’d just like to see things brought back together, rather than separated further.”

Caleb Mech told Judge Charles D. Steele that he regrets stabbing his brother. “I honestly didn’t mean him any harm,” he said of the June stabbing incident.

A Delphos man was also sentenced on Wednesday.

Nathaniel Diltz, 29, was given a three-year term of community control on a charge of trafficking in a controlled substance, and must also spend up to six months in the WORTH Center and undergo a substance abuse assessment and treatment.

Two people changed their pleas to guilty during hearings Wednesday in Common Pleas Court.

Kristine Wilkin, 24, of Van Wert, pleaded guilty to possession of drugs, a fifth-degree felony, and then requested, and was granted, treatment in lieu of conviction. She will be under the supervision of the Adult Probation Department until treatment is completed.

Taylor Baker, 21, of Van Wert, changed his plea to guilty to a charge of domestic violence, a fourth-degree felony, which was reduced from a third-degree felony during plea negotiations. A presentence investigation was ordered and sentencing set for 9 a.m. Wednesday, October 10.

Jeffrey Craft, 28, of Van Wert, admitted to failing to make child support payments while on the diversion program and will appear for sentencing for the diversion program violation on Wednesday, October 21.

Jordan Black, 24, of Van Wert, requested that his case be continued for at least 30 days and waived his constitutional right to a speedy trial so the delay could be implemented.

Brian Jordan, 43, of Columbus, entered a plea of not guilty to a charge of theft, a felony of the fourth degree. He was released on a personal surety bond and a pretrial conference scheduled for 10:30 a.m. October 10.