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LISBON -- A man who failed to complete his presentencing investigation after pleading guilty to domestic violence was sentenced in Common Pleas Court to 180 days in the county jail.
John M. Poling, 39, Deming Street, Salem, had pleaded guilty to domestic violence, a first-degree misdemeanor, for causing physical harm to Beth Hale on Nov. 21, 2017 by choking her and striking her in the nose. The charge had been a fourth-degree felony due to Poling's previous domestic violence conviction in Girard Municipal Court in 2010. However, in a plea agreement, the charge was reduced to a misdemeanor.
Defense attorney James Lanzo said his client fell on hard times due to his own actions, including those which led to the domestic violence charge. After the plea hearing, Lanzo said Poling asked him for a ride to Salem, where he reportedly crashed on a friend's couch for awhile. Poling eventually went to stay with his mother and step-father in Youngstown, but was not able to get back to Lisbon to meet with the people who would evaluate him for his presentencing evaluation.
"Though his own fault, through his own actions, my client has lost everything," Lanzo said.
Assistant County Prosecutor Ryan Weikart said not only does Poling have the previous domestic violence conviction, but other convictions as well. All of them seem to be related to an issue with alcohol, Weikart said.
He also pointed out Poling had a bench warrant.
Judge Megan Bickerton said it appears Poling has not began doing anything to change his situation if he is also picking up additional charges. She told him to take the time in the county jail to consider addressing his issues. Poling was credited with 16 days served in jail, but the fine was waived due to his incarceration.
djohnson@mojonews.com