A man who escaped custody and the woman who allegedly assisted in the escape have entered pleas of not guilty.
Justin M. Firman and Emma Rose Busler appeared separately Thursday in the courtroom of Wood County Common Pleas Judge Molly Mack.
A grand jury on June 21 indicted Firman, 36, for escape and Busler, 30, for obstructing justice. Both are from Deshler.
On June 1 at approximately 10:30 p.m., Bowling Green police were dispatched to the NorthWest Community Corrections Center for two males who escaped. The two men were identified as Firman and Dakota Embry, 34, of Bryan.
The men climbed the south chain link fence. They were caught June 2 in Fostoria.
Both men were charged with escape and transported to the Wood County Justice Center. Embry died in his cell later that night.
Busler allegedly provided a ride to Firman and Embry after they escaped. She also allegedly assisted the two men in avoiding custody by providing a ride to a location for them to hide.
Defense attorney Steve Spitler entered a plea of not guilty for Firman and defense attorney Sara Roller did the same for Busler.
Mack granted the request for a no contact order that prohibits Busler from contacting Firman.
Busler has been furloughed from the jail to Devlac Hall and that arrangement will continue.
Firman appeared via video from the Wood County Jail.
Spitler asked for a reasonable cash bond.
Wood County Assistant Prosecuting Attorney Dex Phillips in response asked for a substantial bond as Firman previously had been convicted of attempted abduction and domestic violence, and also escaped custody.
Mack set bond at $250,000 and if it’s posted, Firman is to wear a GPS monitor and have no contact with Busler.
Firman’s escape charge is a third-degree felony, which has a potential of nine to 36 months in prison.
Busler’s obstructing justice charge is a fifth-degree felony. She could be sentenced to up to 12 months in prison.
Both have their next court appearance on Aug. 24.
