GREENVILLE — Three defendants gave a change of plea in Darke County Common Pleas Court on Tuesday
Bradley S. Crum, 33, of Greenville, went before Judge Jonathan P. Hein on a breaking and entering charge.
Crum, a veteran, shared with the court a desire to move back to Kentucky pending the outcome of his wife’s rehabilitation as well as his current case. He was indicted along with his wife, Jennifer Stover, for the March 20 breaking and entering offense.
Stover gave a guilty plea to the charge two weeks ago.
Crum also gave a guilty plea to the charge with the court proceeding with his sentencing.
According to Darke County Assistant Prosecutor Deborah Quigley, the defendant has had multiple run-ins with the law in Kentucky; mostly from alcohol and drug-related offenses. She also noted some tampering and shoplifting, and incarceration while in the military.
Quigley also provided brief information on the case with the defendant and co-defendant entering an abandoned residence or garage.
“And were seen, and apprehended shortly thereafter,” said Quigley, uncertain as to whether the case warranted community control sanctions or a jail sentence.
Defense Attorney David Rohrer stated the defendant was squatting at the location and overall does not have a bad record. He further agreed with Quigley that the defendant was not community control material, noting the difficulties if the defendant moves to Kentucky.
Since Crum had already served 89 days, Rohrer requested his client be given no more jail time.
“I’ve got some demons, yes, most of them from the military,” said Crum who was deployed in 2005, serving infantry in Iraq. He expressed hope in not serving any more jail time, and to continue with college courses.
When asked if he had anything else to add to the case, Crum stated he had no other options.
“You said you didn’t have options. Actually, you had a lot of options, but you keep making the wrong ones,” said Hein.
Crum was sentenced to 60 months of community control with 89 days jail credit, 100 hours community service, and court costs.
Shawn M. Houpt, 44, also went before Judge Hein on an original charge of grand theft that transpired on Feb. 23.
As part of the plea agreement, the charges were reduced to the unauthorized use of a vehicle, a first-degree misdemeanor.
Houpt was sentenced to community control sanctions up to 60 months with 40 hours community service, court costs, and restitution yet to be determined for a damaged cell phone.
Joshua J. Johnson, 35, went before the court on one count aggravated possession, a third-degree felony, and a second count aggravated possession, a fifth-degree felony.
As part of the plea agreement, which includes successful completion of the MonDay program, the first count was amended to a fourth-degree felony, and the second count dismissed. Community control sanctions up to 60 months and 89 days credit, and incarceration until entry to the program.
