Bright sentenced to 16 months

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GREENVILLE – The Union City man convicted by a jury of stealing an all-terrain vehicle was sentenced to prison time in Darke County Common Pleas Court Wednesday.

Joshua Bright, 34, of Union City, was found guilty by jury earlier this month in the theft of a red Suzuki ATV from the yard of Billy Saylor on the afternoon of Sept. 28, 2015. He was convicted of grand theft of a motor vehicle, a fourth-degree felony, and breaking and entering, a fifth-degree felony.

Assistant Prosecutor Deborah Quigley recommended a sentence of 16 months in prison, citing Bright’s “extensive criminal history.” She said the investigation of this particular crime might not have been as thorough as it could have been, but it was “quite obvious and evident who had done it,” Quigley said, adding, “He’s a thief.”

Quigley also noted that the crime was committed while Bright was under community control sanctions, so such a form of punishment did not work.

Defense attorney David Rohrer admitted that his client had a history of property crimes “based on his drug addiction” and asked the court to consider a treatment program.

Bright spoke on his own behalf to state that he had been to prison before, but what he needed to do was overcome his drug problem.

Judge Jonathan P. Hein agreed that Bright needed to address his drug problem, but Bright’s history of criminal activity still called for a prison sentence. After that prison sentence is over, Hein asked Bright to still put in the work to resolve his drug problem.

“You helping you still has to happen,” Hein said. “Everything you said about getting off those medication, if it’s possible and healthy, you ought to do it. You own the responsibility for what you do.”

Hein sentenced Bright to serve 16 months in prison with 122 days credit for time served. He also is subject to up to three years of post-release control.

Joshua Bright, center, sits with his attorney David Rohrer in Darke County Common Pleas Court Wednesday afternoon as they listen to the prosecution’s recommendation for a prison sentence. Assistant Prosecutor Deborah Quigley (not shown) recommended a 16-month prison term, which is what was imposed by Judge Jonathan P. Hein.
https://www.dailyadvocate.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/08/web1_webBrightsentence.jpgJoshua Bright, center, sits with his attorney David Rohrer in Darke County Common Pleas Court Wednesday afternoon as they listen to the prosecution’s recommendation for a prison sentence. Assistant Prosecutor Deborah Quigley (not shown) recommended a 16-month prison term, which is what was imposed by Judge Jonathan P. Hein. Rachel Lloyd | The Daily Advocate

By Rachel Lloyd

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Reach the writer at 937-569-4354 or on Twitter @RachelLloydGDA. Join the conversation at facebook.com/Advocate360 or visit our website at www.dailyadvocate.com.

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