Martel Butler will spend three years on community control for burglary.
Jessica Orozco | The Lima News
LIMA — A Lima man will spend three years on community control for burglary, a second-degree felony, after a hearing Monday morning.
Butler, 39, will be subject to random drug testing and must complete an anger management class for ripping a television off the wall in his girlfriend’s home.
Lawyer Kenneth Rexford described Butler’s relationship with Megan Kindle as “dysfunctional” and said her violent behavior, as evidenced by a prior incident in which she stabbed the man when he tried to prevent her from slashing his tires, rubbed off on him. He said Butler has no prior record and any similar incidents are unlikely to happen again.
Rexford said Butler replaced the TV shortly after the July 8 incident and apologized to Kindle.
Butler said he feels “apologetic” for his actions and that he has a lot going for him, with plans to start nursing school in January. He said he plans to work during his schooling and improve his life.
Allen County Common Pleas Court Judge Jeffrey Reed question Butler’s recent positive marijuana test — a violation of his bond — for which a warrant was issued. Butler said he uses the drug for his chronic migraines but will stop on community control.
Reed withdrew the warrant and ordered Butler to spend 30 days in the county jail with work release starting Tuesday morning at 8 a.m. Butler is ordered to pay court costs and will no longer be allowed to own or carry a firearm.
