Accused golf course vandal’s case sent to grand jury

LIMA - The only adult charged in a massive vandalism incident at a local golf course appeared in court long enough Thursday to waive his preliminary hearing, sending his case to a grand jury.

The hearing would have been the first chance for sheriff's investigators to publicly lay out their case against Josue R. Martinez, the 18-year-old Ada man charged with vandalism. Instead, Martinez waived his hearing, and Lima Municipal Court Magistrate David Cheney sent the case to an Allen County grand jury for consideration.

Cheney approved a request by Martinez's attorney, Bob Grzybowski, to lower his bond to be released on his signature and the promise to pledge $25,000 should he not show for court. Martinez is to reside with his mother at her home at 431 E. Lincoln Ave., Ada.

His mother agreed to keep an eye on him, and Cheney ordered him to stay inside the house unless he gets a job or starts college at Ohio Northern University in the fall, which his mother said he had planned to do.

Meanwhile, the four juveniles charged in the case will have their first chance to enter pleas Monday when they appear at hearings in Allen County Juvenile Court. The four, either through their own words or through a parent, said they were involved in the vandalism.

If any admits to the crime, the equivalent of a guilty plea, it's possible Judge Glenn Derryberry could render a sentence. He also has the option of ordering a background report, which would delay sentencing.

Sheriff's investigators have said the vandalism at Hawthorne Hills Country Club would exceed more than $100,000, but a prosecutor said that amount may be high. A final total is being calculated.

The group of five males is accused of setting on fire 14 motorized carts as a prank in the early hours of July 1. The carts were tipped on the side, and only a metal carcass remained.

Other carts were tipped over, the pavement torched, and trees and flowers damaged. Sheriff's investigators found the group the morning of the incident camping on private property near the golf course and became suspicious while talking to them.

Numerous golfers were sent home that morning because the golf course did not have carts available. The golf course is in Bath Township.