Rollic sentenced in failure to comply case

Freeport resident George Rollic was indicted on several serious charges back in May of this year: two counts of failure to comply, with one being a third degree felony and the other a fourth; aggravated possession of a controlled substance, a felony in the fifth degree; and possession of drug abuse instruments, a misdemeanor in the first degree. Rollic appeared 

“It’s the court’s understanding that the parties have come to a negotiated plea agreement, “ began Judge Shawn Hervey. He turned it over to the state, represented by Attorney Lauren Knight, to share the offer.

“Thank you, your honor,” said Knight. “The state’s offer to Mr. Rollic last week was in exchange for a guilty plea on counts 1,3, and 4, the state would dismiss count 2 and recommend for sentencing 24 months at ODRC… we would request the court only sentence on count one. Because of the offense listed, it would be a consecutive requirement and obviously we’re just looking for the 24 months as per the agreement.”

Rollic’s attorney, Public Defender C. Adrian Pincola, indicated that this was accurate information, and that Rollic was prepared to accept the plea.

Hervey explained the possible penalties to Rollic which included up to 36 months in prison, fines up to $10,000, and mandatory license suspensions. The highest possible sentence would be 48 months in prison. Hervey also explained Rollic’s constitutional rights before moving on to ask if Rollic was certain he wanted to plead guilty to the amended indictment. 

Pincola spoke briefly to the court, “Mr. Rollic has stated for himself that realized immediately when he got picked up, he told the officers that it was a dumb idea. This all could have been avoided. It could have been just a driving while under suspension with an expired registration and I think Mr. Rollic understood that he made a mistake. Luckily, no one was seriously injured in the pursuit.”

Hervey agreed that everyone was lucky there were no serious injuries, “There definitely could have been. Mr. Rollic may be here on different circumstances and we wouldn’t be sentencing you to prison if you didn’t run. Worst you could have gotten was aggravated possession of drugs at that point… However, that’s not where we are. Where we are is the court’s going to sentence you on count one.”

Rollic was sentenced to the agreed upon 24 months at the Ohio Department of Rehabilitation and Correction, a three year license suspension without any driving privileges. He has no fines but will pay court costs.

“I hope you’ve learned from this,” Hervey said. “I hope you understand things could have gone very differently in this case.”