A Bowling Green is going to prison after violating his community control sanctions.
John Reza, 37, appeared Monday in the courtroom of Wood County Common Pleas Judge Molly Mack.
Reza has “truly been uncooperative” until recently and continuing community control would be demeaning to the seriousness of the charge, Mack said.
Reza was indicted in November 2021 for burglary and violating a protection order.
On Oct. 15, 2021, he entered a home in the 600 block of Pasteur Avenue, in violation of a temporary protection order, and was within 500 feet of the victims listed on the protection order.
Reza pleaded guilty in May 2022 to the amended charge of trespass in a habitation and was sentenced to three years of community control.
Since that time, he has violated the terms of community control numerous times.
On Dec. 2, 2022, Reza was scheduled for an appointment with adult probation but called and said he was ill. The appointment was rescheduled three more times in December, and he failed to show for all of them.
In January, Reza absconded from supervision and admitted to the offense in February. The case was continued to March, and Reza failed to appear for the court appearance.
A nationwide warrant was issued and Reza was arrested later that month.
On March 28, he submitted a urinalysis at the jail and the results were positive for cocaine.
At the time, Mack imposed a $50,000 bond, no 10%. Reza posted bond and was released from jail April 5.
Defense attorney Elizabeth Geer-Fry said her client admitted to the negative drug screen.
She said Reza had admitted himself to Arrowhead Behavioral Health Center, and was supposed to enter the program Tuesday.
It’s clear he was trying to do everything “too little, too late,” Geer-Fry said, adding that he didn’t realize what he had to do as part of his community control sentence.
Reza has his own business that he’d like to continue operating and would like the opportunity to do better, Geer-Fry said.
Wood County Assistant Prosecuting Attorney Lara Rump recommended that the court impose the 18-month sentence that was reserved in May.
There were multiple violations and it is apparent the defendant has no intention of following the orders of the court, she said.
“I’ve been struggling with a lot of issues,” Reza said.
His business has been declining, and he hasn’t seen his children in two years, he said.
“I would like the opportunity to get better mentally for my family, my kids and myself,” Reza said, and added he wanted to live a productive life.
“What you’re doing now is too little, too late,” Mack said.
She imposed a sentence of 14 months in the Ohio Department of Rehabilitation and Correction with credit given for time served.
Reza broke down as the judge read the sentence.
He was taken into custody.
