By Rachel Lloyd
GREENVILLE — The Greenville man hugged his father and choked out a tearful, “I’m sorry, Dad,” after Judge Jonathan Hein sentenced him to two years in prison Monday afternoon in Darke County Common Pleas Court.
Brian Cox, 30, of Greenville, was given permission to hug his father before being led away in handcuffs after his sentencing on charges of abduction and intimidation of a victim, both third-degree felonies.
After considering the appropriateness of merging the two convictions as allied offenses for the purpose of sentencing, Judge Hein determined that the abduction and the intimidation constituted two separate acts and would, therefore, be sentenced as separate crimes.
He sentenced Cox to two years in prison on each of the two charges, with the sentences to be served concurrently. Cox also will be subject to an optional three years of post release control.
The sentence followed the recommendation of the state, represented by Darke County Assistant Prosecutor Deborah Quigley. Cox’s attorney, David Rohrer, recommended community control sanctions only, provided that Cox stay on his medications to control mental health issues.
Hein said a sentence of community control would demean the severity of the crime.
Cox was accused of holding his then-girlfriend against her will at his home and compelling her into sexual activity before he would agree to return her home. He also caused physical harm to his victim, as indicated by bruising and abrasions on her body. Upon driving her home, Cox issued threats against the victim’s family if she reported his actions.
Before hearing his sentence, Cox apologized for his actions and told the court, “I’m a lot better person than what happened.” Hein noted for the record that the apology sounded sincere. He also thanked Cox for his military service.
Cox served four years in the U.S. Navy until his medical discharge. He also previously served as a volunteer firefighter. It was noted that Cox was in anger management counseling through Veterans Affairs.
His history determined by presentence investigation included convictions for domestic violence, incidents of telephone harassment, mental health issues and some substance abuse issues.
