Scio woman accepts plea deal, ordered to complete EOCC program

Scio resident Amber Coutts appeared in court Aug. 26 on a motion to revoke her Community Based Controls. 

“Since we were here last, an Eastern Ohio Correction Center evaluation was completed by Ms. Coutts,” Judge Shawn Hervey said. “Which indicated that she would be appropriate for placement at Eastern Ohio Corrections Center if that is an outcome of this case.”

Hervey explained Coutts’ constitutional rights and told her that if she was found to have violated her CBC, as alleged by the state, then she could be facing the remainder of her reserve prison sentence: up to 11 months.

“It’s the court’s understanding, based on the pretrial conference, that the state’s recommendation, if you were to admit, would be that you complete the program at the Eastern Ohio Corrections Center and continue on Community Based Controls,” Hervey said.

“That’s correct, your honor,” said Prosecutor Lauren Knight. “If she were to enter an admission today, the state would not object to her being given a report date for EOCC.”

Coutts’ attorney, Public Defender Adrian Pincola, clarified that the alternative to accepting the plea would likely be the full imposition of a remaining 240 days behind bars. The program at EOCC can be completed in as little as 90 days. 

“I’m not saying that would be imposed,” Hervey said. Reminding Coutts that he would have to look at the facts of the case and make a judgement if she chose to have a hearing on the matter. “And of course if she was found to have not violated her community based controls then she would remain on community based controls.”

Pincola reiterated Coutts’ options to her, making sure she fully understood the process and what would happen if she agreed to the plea. Coutts accepted the plea and admitted to violating CBC.