An offender, Tommy Glover, is contesting his 60-year prison sentence for a series of armed robberies and kidnappings in Hamilton County. The sentence was imposed by a Common Pleas Court judge who noted the terror inflicted on the victims during the 2020 crime spree. However, the First District Court of Appeals reduced Glover's sentence to 25 years, arguing it was harsher than those given to murderers and rapists, and not supported by evidence for consecutive sentences.
Ohio law allows judges to impose consecutive sentences if a single term does not adequately protect the public or punish the offender. The Supreme Court of Ohio will soon review whether the original sentencing decision was appropriate or if the appellate court had grounds to reduce it.
Glover's crimes included forcing victims at gunpoint to withdraw money from ATMs and stealing personal items. He was convicted on multiple counts of aggravated robbery and kidnapping. Before trial, he declined a plea deal offering a 15-year sentence. At sentencing, recommendations ranged from 20 years to a potential maximum of 102 years.
The prosecutor argues that the judge adhered to legal guidelines and selected an appropriate sentence fitting Glover's crimes. The imposed terms included consecutive sentences for six three-year gun specifications totaling 18 years, with robbery counts ranging from three to eleven years resulting in an additional 42 years.
Glover contends that sentencing laws were misapplied, advocating for a "recursive" approach where each offense is considered individually before deciding on consecutive terms. He compared his case with similar offenses in Ohio where average sentences were significantly lower.
The Supreme Court will hear arguments on this case alongside others starting February 6th. Proceedings will be streamed online at supremecourt.ohio.gov and broadcast live on the Ohio Channel.