Church Thief Sentenced to 4 Years in Prison, but He Could Appeal

Описание: CHILLICOTHE (Lu Ann Stoia) -- The Ross County man who admitted to breaking into at least 27 churches to fuel his heroin habit is headed to prison, at least for now. Cash Yoakum, 26, apologized for his actions in court, just before he was sentenced to four years in prison."I am not the monstrous criminal that the media has made me out to be," said Yoakum. "I did have a serious drug addiction which led me to do the crimes I did, and I understand that doesn't make it a bit right, for the most part, I would just like to finally in person say not only to the victims, but to the courts, and my family, I am sorry."There was legal wrangling in the Common Pleas Court before Judge Scott Nusbaum. Yoakum's lawyer, James Szorady, said Yoakum should be under community control and probation, not behind bars. Under revised Ohio criminal sentencing laws, Szorady said Yoakum isn't eligible for prison, and sending him there is unconstitutional.One of the churches that was burglarized by Yoakum is still reeling from the crime. Lois Dickson works at the United Methodist Church as a receptionist and said she supports jail time. "I think he probably has remorse for what he did. He did it for drug money, and I realize that an addiction for people is a disease but yet, I think he needs to pay for it with some time so he has time to reflect on what he did to so many churches in this area."Yoakum will be required to make over $5,000 in restitution to the churches he stole from. Not all of the churches asked for that. A couple of pastors said they have continued to pray for Yoakum and his family. Yoakum's family was in the courtroom in a show of support, but did not want to talk with reporters. His attorney said he will discuss with them whether there should be an appeal in the case.Prosecutor Matt Schmidt said almost nobody that goes to prison thinks they deserve it. "He deserved that four years, whether he considers himself a monster or not. I am not here to tell you Cash Yoakum is a monster either, but he certainly needs to be held accountable for what he did."