Judge upholds $75,000 bond for Joshua Smith in grand theft case

Joshua Smith appeared in court via video call from the Monroe County Jail for hearings in two separate cases.

The first case, filed in 2021, included two second-degree felony drug charges, a third-degree felony weapons under disability charge, and a fourth-degree felony receipt of stolen property charge. Smith pleaded guilty to three of the counts and was sentenced in September 2021 to four years in the Ohio Department of Rehabilitation and Correction. He was granted judicial release the following year under a two-year probation agreement.

Since his release, the state has filed three motions to revoke his probation, citing separate violations. The most recent involves a new case filed in September 2025, alleging grand theft of a motor vehicle, a fourth-degree felony.

During the hearing, Judge Shawn Hervey addressed the new charges and bond status. “For [the newer case] you’re here for an arraignment,” Hervey said. “The court will note that in this matter bond was previously set at $75,000 cash surety, that was filed Oct. 20 and Mr. Smith is yet to post bond.”

Smith’s attorney, Joseph Rine, requested a reduction to $40,000, but Hervey denied the request. “Mr. Smith’s record, particularly on community-based control, is found to be abhorrent, especially for appearing when he’s supposed to,” Hervey said. “The court doesn’t believe that will change. Bond is set at an appropriate amount.”

The state withdrew the grand theft charge as a reason for revoking Smith’s probation, focusing instead on allegations that he failed to contact his probation officer and repeatedly tested positive for drug use. Assistant Prosecutor Jeremy Knight clarified that the charge itself remains active. “The case is still pending, but we can resolve his revocation without having to resolve the grand theft case,” he said.

Smith denied the probation violation allegations and will continue his case with newly retained attorney Steven Stickles. The state agreed to a recognizance bond for the probation matter, meaning Smith could be released on his promise to appear in court. However, he remains held on the $75,000 bond in the grand theft case.