MESSAGE FROM PROSECUTOR SHERRI BEVAN WALSH

Contact:  April Wiesner

(330) 643-8386

Bennett Sentenced to 12 Years

(September 21, 2011… Akron) … Summit County Prosecutor Sherri Bevan Walsh announced today that Joseph Bennett, 31, of Inman Street in Akron was sentenced today by Judge Mary Margaret Rowlands to 12 years in prison.

“This case is a sobering reminder of the dangers our law enforcement members face every day,” said Summit County Prosecuting Attorney Sherri Bevan Walsh. “I am grateful for the hard work of our local police officers, and I am proud of the support they offered Officer Dodez this afternoon in court.”

On March 31, 2011, a Springfield police officer attempted to pull over Bennett for almost causing a large traffic accident. Bennett refused to stop, at one point throwing an item out of his window on Arlington Road. Bennett’s passenger exited the vehicle during the chase. Police terminated the chase after Bennett nearly caused several accidents and the excessive speeds became too dangerous.

Springfield officers and Summit County Sheriffs searched the area of Arlington Road after Bennett’s passenger confirmed that Bennett had thrown methamphetamines out of his window during the chase. During the search, Springfield Officer Mark Dodez was hit and severely injured by a drunk driver.

Acting on a tip, Akron police officers found Bennett hiding in the basement of his girlfriend’s apartment five days later. As they were arresting him, Bennett attempted to stuff more methamphetamines in his underwear. While being booked at Summit County Jail, deputies discovered more methamphetamines on his person.

Bennett pled guilty to Failure to Comply, a third-degree felony; Tampering with Evidence, a third-degree felony; Conveyance of drugs, a third-degree felony; and Aggravated Possession of Drugs, a fifth-degree felony, on August 17.

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