An update to a previous post has been dropped in my lap when I read today's paper.
My last post, Athens County Commissioner has Issues, pertained to the criminal problems of one of our commissioners, Mark Sullivan. I thought the proper thing for him to do was resign from his position but he evidently had no inclination to do the proper thing.
Second verse, same as the first.
Two days after pleading guilty to a misdemeanor of disorderly conduct for a domestic violence incident, he did it again. Oops. But he's been through so much.
His wife filed for and was granted a temporary protection order against him and he has taken up residence somewhere in Nelsonville. Allegedly, Mr. Sullivan "Came at me, threw me in corner of kitchen, knocking glasses (off), physically pushing me and bruising me." She also claims he threatened to kill her. As reported in The Athens Messenger.
The terms of his last court appearance resulted in 30 days in jail, suspended as long as he doesn't re-offend for two years, pay a $250 fine and 25 hours of community service, to attend the Domestic Violence Intervention Program and alcohol/drug evaluations. Eleven days ago I wondered if the re-offend part meant generally or just pertaining to his wife. I guess it doesn't matter now. He re-offended his wife. I don't know how much of the other terms he had completed during those two days.
The day before this latest alleged incident, Mark was on a local radio program and about halfway through the interview, the topic of his legal problem was brought up. During the interview he talked about how they had gotten counseling and all was right with their world. Blah, blah, blah.
So, again I ask: "Will Mark Sullivan resign as county commissioner?" Probably not. "Will he see the inside of a jail cell?" Probably not.
At least in this county, domestic violence is treated in a very casual manner. For that matter, pretty much all crimes are treated rather casually around here. But it seems, if you are going to beat the hell out of someone, make sure it's your spouse. The sentence is oh so much lighter and you can go back and beat up your spouse again for getting you into trouble.
On August 1, Mark Sullivan is scheduled to appear in court yet again. This time to deal with the protection order. There is a definite pattern of behavior. At what point do the waving red flags get attention?
According to the article on The Athens Messenger's website, Mr. Sullivan is denying the allegations of July 14th. Additionally, he's claiming his wife has called him and has shown up at his current residence and assaulted him. He called the Nelsonville PD and is now thinking about filing for a protection order against her so he and the kids can move back to Millfield.
Both sides have claimed various incidents have occurred in front of the kids. I don't know how old the kids are but I assume they are under the age of 18. Shouldn't children's services be involved by now?
As a side note, the prosecutor, sheriff, and Mr. Sullivan are all from the big city of Nelsonville. I'm just sayin'.
Hell, Casey Anthony wouldn't have gone to trial if she lived in Athens. lol. Hell, in Athens, beating one's spouse is clearly not as important as say bouncing a check where they send 6 sheriffs to get you for that one but they probably just talk to you over the phone for domestic violence.
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