Chance Loza was told to bring his toothbrush to court when he is sentenced for vandalizing the Geauga County Fairgrounds last summer.
The 18-year-old Mantua resident pleaded guilty Wednesday to one count of vandalism, a fourth-degree felony. He is the second of seven people, including three juveniles, to admit to causing $17,721 in damage at the county fairgrounds July 10.
As part of a plea agreement, Loza agreed to pay $2,531.58 in restitution — one-seventh of the total damage — to be divided up between the Geauga County Agricultural Society (a.k.a. the Geauga County Fair Board) and two owners of private properties that were impacted by the vandalism done on the fairgrounds in Burton Township.
Prosecutors agreed to dismiss breaking and entering, and theft charges when Loza is sentenced in four to six weeks, after preparation of a pre-sentence investigation report.
Loza faces up to 18 months in prison and a maximum fine of $5,000 for committing a fourth-degree felony. However, Geauga County Prosecutor Jim Flaiz said the State of Ohio would recommend Loza be sentenced to 15 days in jail.
Flaiz also said the state would agree at sentencing not oppose sealing of Loza’s conviction at a future date.
Geauga County Common Pleas Court Judge Forrest Burt told Loza he is not bound by any sentencing recommendation, although he added a prison sentence is unlikely.
“Most likely, even though I’m not bound by the recommendation, you will be going behind bars. Do you understand that?” Burt asked.
“Yes, your honor,” answered Loza.
“So, when you come for your sentencing hearing, bring a toothbrush,” Burt said. “Don’t plan on going home after your sentencing hearing.”
Flaiz told to the court the evidence at trial would have shown Loza, 21-year-old Tyler Morano and 19-year-olds Kaden Womack and William Maschek, along with three delinquents, committed numerous of acts of vandalism at the fairgrounds and causing significant damage.
He added all individuals involved cooperated with authorities and admitted their involvement.
“You heard the prosecutor say what the state felt it could have proven and what occurred. Are you admitting that you participated in the acts of vandalism?” Burt asked Loza.
“Yes, your honor.”
“Are you admitting to me that you committed the crime of vandalism?”
“Yes, your honor.”
“You understand that once you have entered a guilty plea and I accept your guilty plea . . . that plea is going to stand? You’re telling me, ‘I did this.’”
“Yes, your honor.”
“So tell me.”
“I did this.”
“Then I find you guilty of vandalism, a felony of the fourth degree,” Burt said, reiterating to Loza he should plan on going to jail.
Earlier, Burt abruptly adjourned hearing to have Loza tested for the presence of drugs or alcohol in his system. He tested negative.
“I have been advised you are clean, which is a good thing,” Burt told Loza.
“Get used to that experience, you’re going to be doing that a lot,” he added.
Morano, who served nine days in jail following his September arrest, was sentenced Dec. 29 to 10 days in jail and three years of community control for his role. He served his final day in jail Dec. 30.
He also was ordered to pay a $1,500 fine, which will be imposed after her pay the restitution.
In addition, he was ordered to perform 200 hours of community service, which could be credited toward his fine.
Maschek is scheduled to appear before Burt for a change of plea hearing Jan. 6.