Seven Sentenced on Felonies

 knox-county-prosecutors-office

MOUNT VERNON – Seven defendants were sentenced Friday by Judge Otho Eyster in the Knox County Court of Common Pleas. Prosecutor McConville noted that Michael Mayo, 48, of Lodi was sentenced for Importuning, a fifth-degree felony, after being found guilty at a bench trial in October. Mayo, who admitted to placing a Craigslist ad looking for sex, solicited sexual activity via text message with a Knox County Sheriff’s Office deputy posing as a 15-year-old girl. Judge Eyster sentenced him to 11 month in prison with 5 years of post-release control. This conviction requires a Tier I sex offender registration. This case was investigated by KCSO Det. Sgt. Danial Bobo.

Jeremiah C. Whitt, 39, of Johnstown was sentenced for Arson, a fourth degree felony. He was ordered to serve three years of community control and maintain full-time employment. A potential 15 month prison term has been suspended and Whitt has a lifetime arson registration requirement. This case was investigated by Ohio State Fire Marshal Investigator Jason Whaley.

Jacob R. McQueen, 31, of Mount Vernon was sentenced for Aggravated Possession of Drugs, a fifth-degree felony. He was sentenced to 11 months in prison and ordered to pay court costs. This case was investigated by MVPD Cpl. Reginald Young.

Renee D. Custer, 33, of Howard was sentenced for Obstructing Justice, a fifth-degree felony. Custer will serve three years of community control with 180 days in jail suspended on the condition that she complies with all conditions. She was also ordered to submit to drug and alcohol assessment, drug and alcohol use monitoring and a mental health evaluation. This case was investigated by KCSO Sgt. Daniel Selby.

Derek A. Moore, 32, of Mount Vernon was sentenced for Having Weapons Under Disability, a third-degree felony. Moore will serve three years of community control with 180 days in jail suspended on the condition that he complies with all conditions. He was also ordered to submit to drug and alcohol assessment, drug and alcohol use monitoring, a mental health evaluation, and maintain full time employment. This case was investigated by KCSO Sgt. Daniel Selby.

Brian E. Gardner, 44, of Mount Vernon, was sentenced for Possession of Heroin, a fifth degree felony, and two counts of Aggravated Possession of Drugs, both fifth-degree felonies. Gardner will serve three years of community control, as well as submit to drug and alcohol assessment, drug and alcohol use monitoring, and a mental health evaluation. This case was investigated by MVPD Cpl. Reginald Young and Sgt. Robert Morgan.

Anthony R. Serio, 36, of Mount Vernon was sentenced for Burglary, a third-degree felony, and two counts of Aggravated Possession of Drugs, fifth-degree felonies. Serio was sentenced to 180 days in jail and three years of community control. He was also ordered to submit to drug and alcohol assessment, drug and alcohol use monitoring, a mental health evaluation, and maintain fulltime employment.