Mary Alice Reporting –
A co-defendant in a theft has been sentenced to local jail time and then two years’ probation.
A change of plea occurred in February, in which the State of Ohio removed multiple charges, leaving a misdemeanor count of attempted telecommunications fraud. William Timberlake then plead guilty.
The 2023 indictment was against G&R Tactical owner Timberlake, and co-defendant Jeffrey Stearns, a former Village of Sugarcreek police officer. The Auditor of State’s Special Investigation Unit investigated in 2022 after receiving information about an officer using Bolivar’s tax exempt status and law enforcement discounts to purchase ammunition. The report indicated that Stearns falsified documents, alleging the ammo was for Bolivar Police, and the rounds were picked up by Timberlake.
A recommended sentence was agree to by both sides, and prior to Tuesday morning sentence hearing, the defense attorney noted that 51-year-old Timberlake did not have a criminal background, and served several years in the Navy, even receiving a commendation for the quality and nature of his service. Timberlake chose to speak.
“I do regret my actions, sir, in what I’ve done. I would also like to apologize to all the parties I’ve injured and caused harm.”
Judge Michael Ernest agreed that this incident was in poor judgement and that the defendant likely would not be back in court again.
“You made a mistake that somehow that you’re intentions allowed you to not follow the rules. It really would be, I think, a mistake in judgement and not knowing the law because it appears there were steps that were taken to get around a rule for your benefit.”
Timberlake must report on April 8th to start the first round of jail time, which was split into three increments. He will be under 90 days house arrest, under a short probation period, must conduct 75 hours of community service, and a fine was imposed.
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