EATON — Two defendants were re-sentenced in Preble County Common Pleas Court Tuesday, March 17, due to ongoing concerns about the spread of the coronavirus. Judge Stephen R. Bruns presided.
Tammy N. Dorr, 32, of Eaton, was re-sentenced on charges of aggravated possession of drugs, while Tyler M. Wyatt, 23, of Camden, was similarly re-sentenced on charges of violating a protection order.
Both defendants had previously been ordered to undergo substance abuse treatment at Genesis Life and Recovery Center in Hamilton. That facility has stopped taking in new patients temporarily, however, due to concerns relating to the current Covid-19 pandemic.
Dorr was ordered to attend treatment at Woodhaven Residential Treatment Center in Dayton. Wyatt’s case was continued until Friday, March 20.
Also in court last Tuesday:
Jeffrey Powell, Jr., 26, of West Manchester, pleaded guilty to endangering children, receiving stolen property, operating a motor vehicle while under the influence with three or more priors, and improperly handling a firearm while in a motor vehicle.
Additional counts of criminal mischief and illegal use or possession of drug paraphernalia were dismissed in accordance with a plea agreement between Powell and the Preble County Prosecuting Attorney’s Office. Powell’s next court appearance is a sentencing hearing, to be held April 1.
Jonathan J. Thompson, 45, was sentenced on charges of theft, petty theft, receiving stolen property, and forgery. Thompson was arrested after stealing mail out of several mailboxes.
Judge Bruns cited Thompson’s “pretty extensive criminal record,” which includes violent offenses, and the fact that he had previously served a prison term as factors in his choice of sentence. Bruns sentenced Thompson to 12 months of incarceration on each charge, to be served concurrently.
James E. Lineberry, 52, of Eaton, pleaded guilty to aggravated possession of drugs, petty theft, and possession of drug abuse instruments. Defense attorney Sam Borst asked for his client’s bail to be reduced, but the judge declined, citing Lineberry’s extensive criminal record and history of violent offenses. Lineberry’s next court appearance is a sentencing hearing, to be held April 1.
Larry J. McGuire, 69, of New Paris, was sentenced on charges of aggravated possession of drugs. Defense attorney David Rohrer, of Greenville, spoke on McGuire’s behalf.
“He’s struggled with meth use the last couple years,” Rohrer said of his client. “But I like to think he’s starting to get a handle on it.”
Judge Bruns sentenced McGuire to three years of community control. A reserved sentence of 12 months of incarceration could be imposed if McGuire fails to follow the terms of his probation, which include continuing the course of substance abuse treatment ordered by Darke County Common Pleas Court Judge Jonathan P. Hein in a previous case.
Finally, Leann Furness, 27, of Eaton, pleaded guilty to community control violation on underlying charges of petty theft and possession of heroin. Judge Bruns chose to extend the defendant’s probation and ordered her to complete substance abuse treatment at Sojourner Recovery Services in Eaton.
“I’ve heard from your probation officer that you’re motivated and have made some phone calls to her seeking help,” Bruns said. “So you’re going to get one more chance. But you’re on some very thin ice.”
