Despite recommendations for probation from both the defense and prosecution, Judge Robert Pollex
sentenced Brandon Smarszcz to six months in prison on each of seven felony counts Monday.
Smarszcz, 32, Bowling Green, will be eligible for a motion for judicial release after the first of the
six-month sentences, which are to be served consecutively.
He pleaded guilty in November to the four counts of receiving stolen property and three counts of theft
as part of a plea agreement with prosecutors. Among the incidents included, Smarszcz was accused of
stealing a Boy Scout trailer from a troop associated with St. Mark’s Lutheran Church, Bowling Green.
Both defense attorney Lawrence Gold and prosecuting attorney Aaron Lindsey said in court that community
control sanctions – formerly called probation – would be amenable in the case. Each of the counts are
fifth-degree felonies, the lowest classification of felony offense.
Pollex, however, took note of the number of counts in Wood County, as well as multiple counts that
occurred in Lucas County, and said he was hesitant to reward Smarszcz. Pollex additionally stated, after
pronouncing sentence, that he wanted to see progress made on the more than $6,544.91 in restitution.
Smarszcz is to pay the restitution to a total of four victims, including the church, Bass Pro Shop in
Rossford, and two local residents.