MOUNT VERNON — Sentences were handed down in Mount Vernon Juvenile Court on Tuesday by Retired Judge Sumner Walters to Samuel A. Thatcher and Donald P. Bailey. Both men pleaded guilty to a first-degree misdemeanor charge of contributing to the unruliness/delinquency of a minor in actions which occurred between Dec. 29 and 31, 2009.
Representing the complainant in the cases was Assistant Attorney General Brenda S. Leikala of the Ohio Attorney General’s Office. Recommendation for sentencing was brought forth from Leikala which included 180 days of jail time with 160 days waived, though it was noted the complainant’s family was not in agreement with the recommendation.
In a prepared letter from the mother of the victim, she stated the defendants “brought heartache and unhappiness to our family,” and “tarnished a sacred holiday. It was premeditated ... they thought this through,” and urged the judge to “carefully consider the sentences handed down.”
When given a chance to make a statement, Bailey said “I apologize to [victim’s] family for the pain they’ve gone through; and I apologize to my family for the stress.”
Walters then announced details for both sentencings. Thatcher and Bailey were each sentenced to five years of community control and 100 hours of community service. They are also to pay $200 plus court costs. Bailey was also sentenced to serve 20 days in the Knox County Jail and complete a substance abuse assessment. Thatcher was also sentenced to 30 days of electronic monitoring.
News staff reporter George Breithaupt contributed to this story.
