Meyer held for extradition to Michigan, sentenced to time served
By Bob Robinson

GREENVILLE – Darke County Common Pleas Judge Jonathan Hein sentenced Shawna Patterson Meyer to 82 days in jail on Dec. 16, with credit for time served, for grand theft auto and failure to comply with the order of a police officer, both F4 felonies. She remains in jail on $50,000 bond awaiting extradition to Michigan to face similar charges.

Meyer pleaded guilty to the two charges in return for the state dropping a second failure to comply charge.

According to Darke County Prosecutor Kelly Ormsby, Meyer allegedly stole a car in Michigan then when it was running out of gas, left it and stole another one at Moody’s Auto Sales in Ansonia. Police reports indicated a chase with speeds of more than 100 mph on Sept. 26 until she was arrested in Castine, just north of Preble County.

Ormsby told the court Meyer had no prior felonies. The state would recommend 90 days, although she was already close to that. The prosecution would not be adverse to community sanctions.

“It seems her life was in a turmoil at the time. She will be returned to Michigan to face charges there,” he added.

Defense attorney Paul Wagner noted there was no request for restitution, adding he didn’t know exactly how she got to this point.

“She’s facing serious charges in Michigan, somewhat similar to these. The defense requests the time she has spent in jail should be sufficient.”

Meyer told Hein that a year ago – ten years ago – she would never have seen herself sitting here.

“I don’t really remember that day,” she said. “But I would like to apologize to the citizens here. I want to return to Michigan so I can repair my life and take care of my children.”

Hein agreed on Sept. 26 she was completely out of control. Mental health issues were discussed.

“Mental health is a first cousin to substance abuse,” he said, adding it seems to be the issue. He told her she should be allowed to return to Michigan, where her roots are.

Following his order, Meyer agreed to sign an extradition order to face charges in Michigan.

According to Ormsby, she faces unlawful driving of a motor vehicle, breaking and entering and larceny charges. She will remain in jail awaiting transfer north.

Published courtesy of The Early Bird