VW man given prison terms for burglaries

DAVE MOSIER/independent editor

A Van Wert man who received a prison term on burglary and related charges was one of several who appeared during hearings held Tuesday in Van Wert County Common Pleas Court.

Kenneth W. Wright, 26, was given sentences of 12 months each for attempted burglary, a fourth-degree felony, and breaking and entering, a felony of the fifth degree, as well as 30 months apiece on two counts of burglary, each a felony of the third degree, and a charge of having weapons under disability, also a third-degree felony offense.

The 12-month prison terms are to be served consecutively to each other, as well as consecutively to the 30-month prison sentences, which are all to be served concurrently to one another, for a total prison term of 54 months.

In sentencing Wright, Judge Charles D. Steele noted that, due to Wright’s criminal record, he was not eligible for probation, and that prison was appropriate to protect the community.

Wright was also given credit for 30 days already served prior to sentencing. He was also ordered to pay approximately $25,000 in restitution to victims of the crimes for which he was convicted.

Also Tuesday, Taylor Lautzenheiser, 21, of Celina, had a 30-month prison term on two counts of trafficking in heroin stayed after Judge Steele granted her request for treatment in lieu of conviction.

Crystal R. Stauffer, 35, of Decatur, Ind., was resentenced to three years of community control after she admitted to violating her probation by failing to attend counseling sessions at Westwood Behavioral Health Center. As part of her community control, Stauffer was sentenced to 30 days of electronically monitored house arrest.

Candy J. Brooks, 39, entered a guilty plea to three counts of trafficking in heroin, and her request for treatment in lieu of conviction was granted by Judge Steele. She must also pay $240 in restitution to the West Ohio Crime Task Force as reimbursement for the cost of drugs purchased from her during a drug trafficking investigation.

Another woman, Taylor Agler, 21, appeared on a probation violation, but her hearing was continued so that more information could be obtained in the case.