Blue Bag Media
Support for Vanata saves prison sentence
By Clinton Randall

GREENVILLE – Even with a criminal past, Darke County Common Pleas Court Judge Jonathan P. Hein decided to give Christopher Vanata another chance and not send him to prison Friday.

Vanata arrived to his sentencing hearing with a support system the judge stated the court rarely comes across. Four young men and members from Vanata’s church were there to support the 27-year-old Greenville graduate.

“We don’t see this often,” Judge Hein said. “There usually isn’t a lot of support for men 25-30 years old these days. The influences now are more negative then ever before.”

Vanata was indicted on one count of Felonious Assault, a felony of the second degree, after he reportedly attacked his friend and roommate with a sword while intoxicated. He later pleaded guilty to a lowered charge of Aggravated Assault, a fourth degree felony, as part of a plea bargain with the state.

“The victim and former friend asked that Mr. Vanata not receive any prison time,” Darke County Prosecuting Attorney Kelly Ormsby said during Friday’s sentencing. “He said the offense only happened because of alcohol mixed with mental health issues…

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