Akron Man Pleads Not Guilty In Home InvasionThe third man accused of invading a Burton Township home last Nov. 28 was in Geauga County Common…
Akron Man Pleads Not Guilty In Home Invasion
The third man accused of invading a Burton Township home last Nov. 28 was in Geauga County Common Pleas Court Feb. 4 for his initial appearance and arraignment.
Dennis G. Cook, 24, of Akron, pleaded not guilty to all charges and his case was assigned to Judge Forrest Burt for future proceedings.
Cook told Judge David Fuhry during his arraignment that he served nine months in 2014 for carrying a concealed weapon and completed post-release control. He also served two years in 2010 for felony gang charge — participating in criminal gang activity — and receiving stolen property.
Geauga County Assistant Prosecutor Chris Joyce asked Fuhry to continue Cook’s bond, set in Chardon Municipal Court, of 10 percent of $500,000 or cash or surety.
“We make that recommendation given that the defendant’s conduct in the instant case was incredibly violent to include breaking into the victim’s home, binding him, participating in assaulting him, pointing a gun at him,” Joyce said. “That, in consideration with the defendant’s criminal record which includes . . . participating in criminal gang activity as well as carrying a concealed weapon, suggests to the state that Mr. Cook is certainly a threat to the public.”
Defense counsel Cory Hinton asked Fuhry to reduce Cook’s bond to 10 percent of $100,000.
“We feel that if that amount were posted it would still be an adequate amount to secure Mr. Cook’s appearance at his future court hearings,” Hinton said.
But Fuhry said he was “very leary” of Cook and his prior convictions, including recent release from prison.
“But more so than that, he’s got a gang conviction,” he added.
Fuhry did alter Cook’s bond, by making it more onerous.
“It’s $500,000 cash or surety straight, no 10 percent cash, with the same conditions as municipal court,” he said.
Cook and co-defendants Debari Q. Johnson, 28, of Akron, and Matthew A. Heller, 27, of Windham, have been charged with the armed robbery of a Tavern Road home on Nov. 28, 2015, which involved assaulting the male resident of the home, tying him up and dousing him in lighter fluid.
The trio were indicted Feb. 1 on multiple counts, including aggravated robbery, aggravated burglary, kidnapping, felonious assault, theft and having a weapon while under disability.
Geauga County Prosecutor Jim Flaiz said last week the evidence indicates the home invasion was drug related.
Chief Deputy Scott Hildenbrand told the Geauga County Maple Leaf one of the men — who a law enforcement source said was Heller — had been in the Tavern Road house for a furnace repair and noticed a large amount of cash laying around.
“He and his buddies then came back to rob him of that cash,” Hildenbrand said.
Voting Equipment Public Test
The Geauga County Board of Elections will be conducting a public test of voting equipment at 1 p.m. Feb. 12.
The elections board is located at 470 Center St., Bldg. 6-A, Chardon.
Chardon Tax Help
The Regional Income Tax Agency will be providing assistance with the 2015 Chardon City municipal income tax returns at the following times and locations:
March 10, 1-7 p.m., City of Willoughby, 1 Public Square, Willoughby.
Tuesdays and Thursdays; and April 1, 8, 15 and 18, 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. and 1:30-4:30 p.m., Mentor Municipal Center (2nd floor), 8500 Civic Center Blvd., Mentor.
Questions regarding the taxpayer assistance should be directed to the Chardon City Deputy Tax Administrator at 440-286-2696.
Election Officials Wanted
Geauga County Board of Elections is looking for paid precinct election officials (poll workers) for the upcoming March 15 primary election and the Nov. 8 general election. Interested persons should contact the Geauga County Board of Elections at 440-279-2030 or email geauga@ohiosecretaryofstate.gov.
Ask about the elections board High School Seniors Program. They can qualify to serve as a poll workers.
Claridon Appointments
Claridon Township has an appointed position available on the township zoning commission. Any Claridon resident may apply for this position.
Those who would like to be considered, must send a letter of intent to: Claridon Township Trustees, P.O. Box 66, East Claridon, OH 44033 no later than Feb. 26.
