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UPDATE: Prosecutor Confirms Victim Identity and Theft Amounts in Shireman Plea
BUCYRUS, OH (Feb 11, 2:15 PM) — Crawford County Prosecutor Matthew Crall has officially confirmed the details of former Councilwoman Carolyn Shireman’s “no contest” plea, providing new specifics on the victims and the financial scope of the crimes.
According to Crall, Shireman’s plea to Theft from a Person in a Protected Class (F3) involves a stipulation that she deprived a developmentally disabled adult, of property or services valued between $7,500 and $35,000.
Additionally, the Grand Theft (F4) charge involves the theft of funds from the nonprofit Positive Seekers, Inc. in an amount totaling between $7,500 and $150,000.
The sentencing hearing is officially set for April 9 at 1:30 PM before Judge Howard Hall. Notably, Crall confirmed that no agreement was reached regarding the sentence. This means the prosecution and the defense will both argue their cases in open court, leaving Shireman’s potential prison time entirely up to the judge’s discretion.
(Original story follows below)
BUCYRUS, OH — The jury trial for former Bucyrus City Councilwoman Carolyn Shireman has been canceled after she entered a “no contest” plea to two felony counts during a final pretrial hearing on Wednesday.
According to sources close to the situation, Shireman, 72, entered the plea to one count of Theft from a Person in a Protected Class, a third-degree felony, and one count of Grand Theft, a fourth-degree felony. The “no contest” plea means Shireman does not admit guilt but accepts a conviction and sentencing based on the facts presented by the state.
Legal Representation and Charges
The case was prosecuted by Assistant Prosecutor Ryan Hoovler, with visiting retired Judge Howard E. Hall presiding. Shireman was represented by Bucyrus attorney Andrew Motter.
The charges stem from an investigation into the misappropriation of funds involving a 52-year-old man with developmental disabilities for whom Shireman served as Power of Attorney. Investigators alleged she diverted thousands of dollars for personal use while also managing the local nonprofit The Positive Seekers.
Sentencing Scheduled
Judge Hall has ordered a Pre-Sentence Investigation (PSI) and scheduled the formal sentencing for April 9.
Under Ohio law:
- Theft from a Person in a Protected Class (F3): Carries a potential prison term of 9 to 36 months and a fine of up to $10,000.
- Grand Theft (F4): Carries a potential prison term of 6 to 18 months and a fine of up to $5,000.
While Shireman has previously maintained her innocence, claiming the investigation was politically motivated, for the purposes of the April sentencing, the court will treat the “no contest” plea the same as a guilty plea.
EDITOR’S NOTE: What is a “No Contest” Plea?
For those following the case, a “No Contest” plea (legally known as Nolo Contendere) essentially means the defendant is saying: “I’m not admitting I’m guilty, but I’m not going to fight the charges.”
Why do this?
- It skips the trial: It allows the defendant to avoid a public trial where all the evidence is presented in open court.
- Civil Protection: It prevents the plea from being used as an automatic admission of guilt in a future civil lawsuit (for example, if the victims sue to recover the stolen money).
Does it change the outcome? No. For the judge, it is the same as a guilty plea. Shireman will be found guilty, she will have a felony record, and she faces the exact same prison time as if she had been convicted by a jury.
Looking Ahead
The sentencing hearing on April 9 will address not only the potential for prison time but also the issue of financial restitution for the victims. FreeWire reached out to Crawford County Prosecutor Matthew Crall for further comment; however, a response was not immediately available at the time of publication [Edit: Prosecutor Crall has now commented, seen above]. Shireman’s attorney, J. Andrew Motter, had no comment when asked.
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