Sentence, apology in wife assault case
Tyler Pelton gave an emotional apology Tuesday during a sentencing hearing at the Stark County Courthouse, where a judge sentenced him to 12 years in prison for running over his wife.
Tyler Pelton gave an emotional apology Tuesday during a sentencing hearing at the Stark County Courthouse, where a judge sentenced him to 12 years in prison for running over his wife.
The 29-year-old Dickinson man pleaded guilty in August to running over his wife with his pickup in December.
“Quite frankly had I any thought that I could have gotten more time, we would have went to trial,” Stark County State’s Attorney Tom Henning said.
Pelton’s now ex-wife required surgery to remove part of her diaphragm and colon because of injuries from the incident, according to a criminal complaint.
“First of all I’d like to apologize to my ex-wife,” Pelton said. “This is an incident that should have never occurred. There’s a lot more victims than just her. There’s our children (and) there’s family members on both sides.”
He apologized for the embarrassment and pain he’s caused his family.
“I accept my punishment and I hope that I become a better person,” Pelton said.
Judge Zane Anderson said Pelton has a history of drug problems and domestic violence.
An investigation showed likelihood that Pelton would commit another crime “without strong intervention by the court,” Anderson said.
Pelton’s attorney, Kevin McCabe, requested he be released to his family for 24 hours, but Anderson would not allow it.
However, Anderson believes Pelton is genuinely sorry.
“I think that his acceptance of responsibility for his actions and his willingness to accept the consequences of what he did is the first step on the road to rehabilitation,” he said. “Mr. Pelton does seem to realize that he has a problem with drugs and alcohol. He also seems to realize he has a problem with his anger and anger management.”
Anderson wants Pelton to receive chemical dependency treatment.
Pelton faced a maximum sentence of 30 years in prison and a $20,000 fine for his attempted murder and aggravated assault charges.
For the attempted murder charge, Anderson sentenced Pelton to 20 years in prison with eight years suspended and five years supervised probation. Pelton also must pay $2,000 in fines and fees.
Anderson also sentenced Pelton to 10 years in prison for aggravated assault, which will run concurrently with the 12-year sentence.
In August, Pelton accepted a plea agreement that dismissed the charges of violation of a protection order and driving under suspension.
After the hearing, McCabe said Pelton accepted the plea agreement to spare his family from going through a trial.
Pelton’s ex-wife and family members declined comment after the hearing.
Tags: tyler pelton, stark county courthouse, news
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