By Meladi Brewer

DailyAdvocate.com

GREENVILLE — Brittany R. Ridenour, 28, of Greenville, appeared for sentencing on a three count indictment. Judge Travis L. Fliehman presided.

Count one, aggravated possession of drugs, was a felony of the third degree, and count two, endangering children, was a felony of the fifth degree. The last count being an OVI carried a sentence of a misdemeanor of the first degree.

Ridenour had entered a guilty plea back in July, and had been placed on a pre-sentence investigation (PSI). According to the reports and her defense attorney Randall Breaden, Ridenour has done a great job complying. Breaden advised the court that even though she had completed inpatient treatment, she still attends meetings regularly.

“I believe this should be a community control case,” Breaden said. “I realize the seriousness of what took place. Ridenour was severely addicted at the time and wasn’t making good choices, but in regards to the children issues, she has done everything CSU has required and got her children reinstated.”

Breaden said his client has done a lot of positive things that aren’t necessarily in the visibility of the court.

“She is employed, she has completed treatment, and she has been fully compliant. After completing Recovery & Wellness, she still attends their sessions on a regular basis which I think is evidence of her desire to remain sober,” Breaden said.

Breaden believes community control with the notion that she has a possible prison term looming over her head would be benifitial in this matter, so if she does fall back into drugs, she knows the consequences will be more serious.

State Prosecutor Deborah Quigley said that it is unfortunate that it has taken almost a year to resolve the case because she does think that Ridenour has done some positive things since the event happened. However, the state still believes that because of the seriousness of the offense, a prison term is necessary.

“The state views this as more serious because of the fact this is another child endangering,” Quigley said. “She has a prior child endangering offense.”

The state would note the drug presence in this matter.

“The defendant chose to drive with her children in the car, she admitted to smoking marijuana, she admitted she shouldn’t be driving,” Quigley said.

Ridenour told the court that she agrees with both the state and defense, as she believes that the court needs to and will properly punish her.

“I agree with both parties because I do realize the seriousness of what I did,” Ridenour said. “My opinion is that because I lost my daughter, no matter what happens in this room today, I am going to take it.”

Breaden had mentioned to the court that Ridenour is already being punished due to the crash that occurred with a semi that lead to the passing of her unborn daughter.

“I deserve punishment just more than the pain I am going to carry the rest of my life because I lost my daughter. I am going to be compliant no matter what,” Ridenour said. “I am just ready to get this all past me, especially since today is exceptionally hard. It would have been her year birthday, so it is kind of bitter sweet that everything is happening today.”

Judge Fliehman said that he doesn’t normally struggle with sentencing much, but he did here.

“I spent about four to five hours in my office going through today’s files, and tears swelled up quite heavily as I went through your PSI,” Judge Fliehman said.

He proceeded to ask Ridenour a series of question including if she had any vacation or sick leave at work and if there was anyone who could watch her children when she isn’t there. It was confirmed that the father has the children during the week, and on weekends she has them. In the moment that Ridenour has to work on her weekend, she does have at least a support system of two who can and will watch the children for her.

Judge Fliehman said that he has to look at the safety of the public, including the children, punishment, and rehabilitation. He applauded Ridenour’s efforts, and he sentenced her to community control for a period of up to 60 months.

“The reason I landed there is because you have already done exceedingly well on pre-trial,” Judge Fliehman said. “I don’t want to interrupt that, but more importantly I hope you don’t interupt that.”

Judge Fliehman sentenced her to 180 days in the Darke County Jail with 20 days imposed and one day credit. The rest of the 19 days will be done via self reporting to the jail on Tuesday at 10 a.m. The remaining 160 days were suspended and can be imposed if Ridenour fails to comply, or she could face up to 36 months in prison. There is also a mandatory fine of $5,000, and she must seek and maintain employment.

“So our bet is you are going to stay clean and sober. Don’t make me lose that wager,” Judge Fliehman said.

On the OVI charge, Ridenour must pay the mandatory fine, serve three consecutive days in jail to run concurrent with the the jail time, and her drivers license was suspended for three years effective Sept. 14, 2023.

“The court will consider limited driving for work purposes,” Judge Fliehman said.

Six points were also added to her license.

To contact Daily Advocate Reporter Meladi Brewer, email [email protected].