Community Voices Weigh in On Carolyn Shireman’s Bond and Legal Proceedings
Carolyn Shireman, a former Bucyrus city council member, is facing a felony charge of theft from a person in a protected class. The charge, classified as a second-degree felony under Ohio law, carries serious legal consequences. Her pretrial is scheduled for March 12, 2025, at 10:30 a.m. in Crawford County Common Pleas Court.
Bond Details and Legal Perspectives Shireman’s bond was set at $25,000 with a 10% provision, meaning she or someone on her behalf must pay $2,500 for her release.
Bucyrus Law Director Brandon Gobrecht provided insight into how the bond process works, explaining the different types of bonds available: • Cash Bond: Requires the full amount to be paid upfront, directly by the defendant.
- Cash Bond with 10% Provision: The defendant pays 10% of the total bond amount but risks forfeiting the full sum if they fail to appear in court.
- • Surety Bond: Involves either collateral (such as property) or a bail bondsman, who typically charges a non-refundable 10% fee.
- • Personal Recognizance (PR) Bond: Allows a defendant to be released without an upfront payment, based solely on their promise to appear in court.
Gobrecht emphasized that bond is not meant to be a form of punishment but rather a way to ensure the defendant’s appearance in court while protecting the community. “Carolyn is not with the City any longer, so I’m not invested in this matter anymore,” Gobrecht said. “However, this is a perfect example of why a visiting judge is an important function in our system of criminal justice. The visiting judge has no idea how much of an inconvenience Carolyn is and therefore has no bias either way. The purpose of bond is solely to protect the community and ensure the defendant shows up for court. In this case, objectively, I think it’s fair to say that Carolyn is not a flight risk. I believe that it is also fair to say that jails are overly hard on elderly people’s joints.”
Community Reactions
The case has drawn mixed reactions, with some questioning whether Shireman’s bond conditions are too lenient. Matt Gruss recalled his own experience with the justice system, saying, “I got an OVI in 2002 and they about threw the key away at my arraignment.” Others believe the investigation should go beyond Shireman herself. Angie Rayborn stated, “Whoever has received a ‘loan’ or ‘gift’ from Carolyn needs to go talk with Crall. Receiving stolen property is a felony.” Bucyrus city councilman Zyan M. Hickman expressed strong disappointment, saying, “This indictment to me was nowhere near what the public was expecting. This woman has put many people through the ringer, mentally and physically. The victim is a protected class, and this is what they give her? There is still more to come on this issue, but what was done today is nothing short of a disappointment.”
Keith French offered a more neutral perspective, stating, “This is a very reasonable bond. I understand how most feel about ‘The White Haired’ lady, but this bond would fit right in with most courts. Her crimes were not violent in nature, as despicable as they are. There is no need to restrict her movement in society by house arrest. She will be monitored by the probation dept every week.”
FreeWire reached out to defense attorney J. Andrew Motter for comment, but he declined to discuss the case, stating via email, “I will not comment on an open case.”
Attempts to contact Crawford County Prosecuting Attorney Matt Crall were unsuccessful.
The Silence of Shireman Supporters
While Shireman has vocal defenders on social media, many of her known supporters declined to comment. However, one of her most outspoken advocates, a Galion resident, responded briefly, saying, “No thank you.”
Looking Ahead With her pretrial set for March 12, 2025, the legal proceedings will determine the next steps in the case. The charge, a second-degree felony, carries significant legal ramifications, and the community remains engaged in following the case’s developments. FreeWire will keep readers up to date on all the latest Shireman legal problems as the situation evolves.
