TO:   LOCAL NEWS MEDIA

FROM:   VAN WERT COUNTY COMMON PLEAS COURT

DATE:   Wednesday, February 20, 2008

Re:   Criminal Hearings

SENTENCING HEARINGS:

William Jeffress, 62, Van Wert, Ohio a former minister and foster parent was sentenced on a charge of Attempted Sexual Battery a felony of the fourth degree.

According to reports Jeffress had inappropriately touched a foster child in his and his wife care in late September 2007 or early October 2007 according to a Van Wert City Police Department investigation.

Judge Steele sentenced Jeffress to serve 30 days in the Van Wert County Jail immediately and then serve and addition 60 days on electronic monitored house arrest along with an addition 30 days jail to be determined by his supervision officer.  Jeffress will be on community control for a period of five years, must complete 200 hours of community service, have no contact with the victim nor any unsupervised contact with any minor.   He was ordered to complete a sexual offender program and ordered to register with the Sheriff of any county he resides in, is employed in, or attends school every 90 days for the rest of his life.

Attorney Steve Diller addressed the court on his clients behalf telling the court that this was a first time offense and that his client was very remorseful for what happened.   Mr. Jeffers tearfully addressed the court telling the judge that this was totally out of character for him to act in a manner like this.

Judge Steele also imposed a 17 month prison sentence with the imposition of the sentence deferred pending the successful completion of the five year community control program.

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Rodney C. Pulfer, 26, Convoy, Ohio was sentenced to 180 days jail on a charge of Domestic Violence a misdemeanor of the first degree. 

According to a Van Wert County Sheriff’s Department investigation Pulfer caused or attempted to cause physical harm to a family or household member on November 23^rd of 2007.   

Judge Steele found that Pulfer was not amenable to community control and sentenced him to the maximum jail term permitted.  Pulfer was given credit for 6 days already served in conjunction with this case.   He was ordered to complete and anger management and substance abuse assessment and complete any programs recommended.   Pulfer can petition the court after 90 days and if he has progressed successfully in the programs his sentence can be reviewed. 

CHANGE OF PLEA HEARINGS

Gary L. Caywood, 42, Delphos, Ohio entered guilty pleas to two counts of Domestic Violence both misdemeanors of the first degree.

According to a Van Wert City Police Department investigation Caywood caused or attempted to cause physical harm to household members on January 12^th, 2008.

A presentence investigation was ordered with sentencing scheduled for March 12^th, 2008 at 9:00 a.m..

Brandon H. Thomas, 25, Van Wert, Ohio entered a plea of guilty to a charge of Attempted Abduction a felony of the fourth degree, he had originally been charged with Abduction a felony of the third degree.

Thomas was arrested after his wife, Gwendolyn Thomas alleged that he had handcuffed and hog tied her on January 18^th of this year at their residence.

Thomas was employed at the time by the Adams County Sheriff’s Department as a corrections officer.

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At the time Thomas was apprehended he had handguns, a high powered rifle, large amount of ammunition and handcuffs in his vehicle when he was taken into custody.

The prosecutor recommended that Thomas be released on a personal surety bond of $5,000, but only when he can produce to the court that he has registered and enrolled in an anger management program.

Judge Steele ordered a presentence investigation and scheduled sentencing for April 2^nd, 2008 at 9:00 a.m..

Chad Kouts, 18, Van Wert, Ohio entered pleas of guilty to three counts of Burglary all three felonies of the second degree and one count of Burglary a felony of the third degree.  

Kouts along with  another Van Wert young adult allegedly broke into three residents and the Lincolnview School over a period of time from August through December of 2007 according to a Van Wert County Sheriff’s Department investigation.

Assistant Van Wert County Prosecuting Attorney told the court that there is some extensive restitution to be made with one resident claiming a loss of nearly $20,000 with the Lincolnview School having a loss of $5,000 worth of property. 

Taylor told the court as part of an agreement for the plea that he would recommend that the sentences be served concurrently and also concurrently for sentences from Paulding County where Kouts faces similar charges.   Kouts could have faced a maximum of 29 years in prison along with a $55,000 maximum fine.

Judge Steele ordered a presentence investigation and scheduled sentencing for April 2^nd, 2008 at 9:00 a.m..  

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ARRAIGNMENT HEARING

Joshua Saraceno, 18, Van Wert, Ohio entered a not guilty plea to a charge of Breaking and Entering a felony of the fifth degree. 

According to a Van Wert County Sheriff’s Department investigation Saraceno allegedly broke into an outbuilding at a rural residence taking a saw and air compressor which he pawned at a local shop.

Saraceno formerly of Ft. Wayne, Indiana was told he could be released on a $5,000 unsecured personal surety bond after the probation department verified that he was formerly residing in Van Wert as he had informed the court .