Putnam County Common Pleas Court
Jan. 30
Ricardo Minjarez, 54, Leipsic, pleaded guilty to driving under the influence of alcohol (4th in 10 years). He faces up to 30 months in prison and up to $10,500 in fines. He has a mandatory fine of at least $1,350 and license suspension between three years and life. Bond was continued while a presentence investigation is conducted with sentencing set for 9 a.m. Feb. 14. Another count of OVI and a charge of driving under suspension were dismissed.
Curt A. Laytart, 26, Northwood, pleaded guilty to grand theft of a motor vehicle. He faces up to 18 months in prison and $5,000 in fines. The state is requesting restitution in the amount of $2,500 to the victim. Bond was modified to OR – must reside at 1235 Orville Court, Northwood. He is to complete PASSPOINT every Monday. A presentence investigation was ordered with sentencing set for 10 a.m. March 13.
Jan. 31
Brian G. Gonzales, 34, Ottawa, was sentenced to 24 months in prison for attempted felonious assault. He was given credit for 324 day served and any additional days while awaiting transport. A charge of rape was dismissed. Gonzales was accused of engaging in sexual conduct with a 24-year-old woman who was intoxicated on Aug. 7, 2021. According to the indictment, the woman asked Gonzales to stop, but he continued to “forcibly engage in sexual conduct” with her.
Joshua J. Carpenter, 44, Ottawa, was placed on five years community control for violating community control sanctions. The violations included consuming alcohol. He must obtain and maintain employment and successfully complete all counseling and treatment recommended. He was convicted of tampering with evidence and aggravated possession of drugs.
Carrington Mortgage Services, LLC, Anaheim, Calif., was granted a foreclosure against Jill Duling, Columbus Grove, and John Sargent, Columbus Grove, in the amount of $272,902.52, plus interest regarding a premise in Columbus Grove.
Feb. 2
Juan F. Pardo, 27, Leipsic, was remanded to the WORTH Center for aggravated possession of drugs. He was placed on five years community control. He must obtain and maintain employment and successfully complete all counseling and treatment recommended.
New Cases
Premier Bank, Youngstown, v. Bobbi J. Griffith, North Baltimore; foreclosure ($37,370.75).
Melissa A. Ricker, Lima, v. James H. Kreiling, Pandora; other civil.
Credit Acceptance Corp., Southfield, Mich., v. Kevin Hatcher, Holgate; other civil ($45,838.36).
New Black Diamond Custom Concrete & Asphalt, LLC, Ottawa, v. Tammy Boecker, Continental; and Alan Boecker, Continental; other civil ($20,600).
Putnam County Municipal Court dispositions
Jan. 26
Davonntae J. Battle, 28, Lima, pleaded guilty to aggravated menacing. Sentence: 180 days jail, 170 days suspended, fined $100, must report to jail on Feb. 17. He also pleaded guilty to unauthorized use of property. Sentence: 30 days jail, suspended, $150 fine. He was also fined $1,000 for no operator’s license, $850 suspended, one year probation. Charges of domestic violence, violating a protection order, and unauthorized use of a vehicle were dismissed.
Jan. 27
Yahir F. Vazquez, 20, McComb, was fined $150 for driving without a valid license
Jesus Lopez, 18, Fostoria, was fined $150 for driving without a valid license.
Jan. 30
Jonathan C. Costuma, 18, Ottawa, pleaded no contest to failure to identify and was found guilty. Sentence: 30 days jail, 29 days suspended, and fined $50.
Feb. 1
Michael T. Balbaugh, 61, Miller City, pleaded guilty to an amended charge of criminal mischief. Sentence: 60 days jail, 59 days suspended, $150 fine and complete a drug and alcohol assessment.
Feb. 2
Luis A. Cruz, 35, Leipsic, pleaded guilty to no operator’s license. Sentence: 180 days jail, suspended, $250 fine.
Grant E. Anderson, 26, Columbus Grove, pleaded guilty to an amended charge of second-offense reckless operation. Sentence: Four points, 30 days jail, 27 days suspended, $250 fine and one year license suspension, with credit for three days jail upon completion of DIP. Another charge of OVI and parking on a highway were dismissed.
Feb. 3
Rafael Alanis, 32, Ottawa, pleaded guilty to assault. Sentence: 180 days jail, suspended, $150 fine.
Feb. 6
Andrew M. Black, 35, Troy, was bound over to the common pleas court following a preliminary hearing on charges of drug abuse/possession and failure to comply, both felonies.
According to reports of the Ottawa Police Department, police stopped Black, who was driving a gold Honda SUV near Walmart for a traffic violation at 9:36 p.m. Jan. 28. After the officer made contact with Black, he fled the scene almost striking the officer. Officers pursued him northbound in a 40-mile pursuit that ran through Putnam, Henry and Wood counties, until Black’s vehicle struck a house near North Baltimore. Two females inside the vehicle were transported from the scene for medical treatment. Black also had three active warrants for his arrest.
The Putnam County Grand Jury is scheduled to meet Feb. 15.
