by Logan Andrew | FreeWire Magazine — Your News, Your Voice
From The Bench is Sponsored today by Breezzy’s Pizza and Suburban Lanes
The high-profile felony case of former Bucyrus City Councilwoman Carolyn Shireman won’t be going to trial just yet. Visiting Judge Howard Hall granted a defense request for a continuance so Shireman’s attorneys can hire an expert witness, and the state did not oppose the motion.
Shireman faces three felony counts in Crawford County Common Pleas Court — an original second-degree theft indictment from earlier this year, plus two newer charges filed June 5: telecommunications fraud (F3) and theft (F4). Her trial, originally set for August 13 and then rescheduled for October 29, will be reset again, with new dates for a final pretrial and jury trial to be announced soon.
While Shireman’s felony case proceeds in Common Pleas Court, Bucyrus Municipal Court last week dealt with a familiar slate of misdemeanor cases — from OVI and driving violations to disorderly conduct and resisting arrest, and one felony bound over to Common Pleas.
OVI & Driving Offenses
- Bryson R. Sibrel, 29, Bucyrus — pleaded guilty to physical control of a vehicle (M1). He received 180 days in jail, all suspended, and a $300 fine plus $310 costs. Sibrel must stay drug- and alcohol-free and submit to random testing and searches. Related OVI/high-test and expired-sticker charges were dismissed.
- Edwin T. Briner, 44, Galion — pleaded guilty to OVI under the influence (M1). He was sentenced to 180 days in jail with 150 days suspended, fined $750, and his license was suspended for one year. He must remain drug- and alcohol-free and submit to random testing and searches. Related OVI/high-test and driving-under-suspension charges were dismissed.
- Mario I. Davila, 34, Mansfield — pleaded guilty to speeding (M4). He was fined $100 plus $218 costs.
Disorderly Conduct & Inducing Panic
- Paul E. Bell, 53, Bucyrus — pleaded guilty to inducing panic (M4). He received 10 days in jail (all suspended), a $100 fine, and $369 in court costs. Bell was ordered to take all prescribed medications and to remove his ankle monitor.
- Christopher L. Perry, 41, Galion — pleaded guilty to disorderly conduct (M4). He was fined $100 plus $335 costs, with 10 days in jail suspended. Perry must remain drug- and alcohol-free and is subject to random testing and searches.
Resisting Arrest
- Allen R. Henry Jr., 38, Bucyrus — was found guilty at a bench trial of resisting arrest (M2). He received 90 days in jail with 64 days suspended and $405 in costs. Henry must remain drug- and alcohol-free and is subject to random testing. A related disorderly-conduct-by-intoxication (M4) charge was dismissed.
Felonies Bound Over
- Michael A. Tesso, 27, Bucyrus — charged with possession of drugs (F5). The case was bound over to the Crawford County Common Pleas Court for further proceedings.
Conclusion
While Carolyn Shireman’s felony trial in Common Pleas Court has been pushed back once again, Bucyrus Municipal Court moved forward with its regular docket last week. Driving-related offenses, disorderly conduct, and a resisting-arrest conviction made up the bulk of cases, with most jail sentences suspended but strict probation and treatment conditions imposed. Only one new felony case — a drug possession charge — was sent on to Common Pleas.
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