GREENVILLE — An Arcanum man was sentenced to 14 days in jail Monday for his part in a January vehicle chase involving two other adults and four teens.
Brent Perry, 45, pleaded guilty to an amended charge of obstructing justice, a fifth-degree felony. He had originally faced first- and second-degree felony charges of kidnapping.
Other adults involved in the incident were sentenced in August.
Robert Cates, of Greenville, was sentenced to 120 day in jail August 4. Wesley Hobbs, also of Greenville, received a 60-day jail sentence August 15.
Darke County Prosecuting Attorney R. Kelly Ormsby recommended that Perry receive a sentence similar to those received by Cates and Hobbs.
“It seems clear that Mr. Perry, of the three that were involved, did not actually physically cause injuries to the 17-year-olds that were involved in this case,” he said. “He was participating with them in some pretty ill-advised vigilante conduct.”
Perry, Cates and Hobbs were arrested for the January 16, 2016, incident that began in the 900 block of Jackson Street in Greenville.
The four teenagers in question were reported to have yelled racial slurs at Hobbs while driving past the man’s home. The three adults, in two different vehicles, pursued the teens out into the country, with the adults passing and forcing the teens’ vehicle to a stop in the 7100 block of Ohio Route 121. An altercation ensued resulting in an assault and threats reportedly made by one of the adults involving a firearm. Subsequent investigation found no evidence a firearm had been brandished.
Perry’s defense attorney, Jose Lopez, told the court Perry regretted his actions and said, “Mr. Perry’s conduct was ill-advised, as was what the young men did.”
Perry, speaking on his own behalf, merely stated he was “sorry this happened.”
In sentencing, Common Pleas Court Judge Jonathan Hein told Perry that at his age he ought to “know better.”
“No town is going to tolerate this conduct,” said Hein. “You’ve got to use your brain before you use your feet. You’ve got to use your brains before you use your hands or your mouth.”
Perry was sentenced to 14 days in jail, with four days credited for time already served. He is eligible for work release during his sentence. He will also be under community control for five years, must pay court costs and restitution, and perform 75 hours of community service.
