SANDUSKY — A woman sitting with supporters of Ashli Ford during Ford’s sentencing hearing on Monday made an obscene gesture toward the jury box where Norwalk Mayor David Light was giving a victim impact statement.
The woman was sitting next to Carrie Light, Mayor Light’s sister-in-law with whom he is estranged.
Ford was sentenced to three years probation by visiting Judge Deborah Boros and was ordered to have no contact with any of the victims in her case. The order was that no third-party on behalf of Ford also could have any contact with the victims.
Erie County Prosecutor Kevin Baxter had urged Boros to sentence Ford to 30 months in prison, arguing that she has shown no remorse and will likely commit crime again if she does not come to realize the seriousness of her behavior.
Baxter said Ford does not respect the court process, the court or public officials.
“She has shown nothing but disrespect and contempt for the justice system,” he said.
Another courtroom observer said the two women were talking while Light was giving his statement and that they made disparaging remarks about the judge.
Within about two hours of the sentencing, one of Ford’s supporters had posted a Facebook message ridiculing all four named victims.
“Charges brought by these tough guys who testified Ashli made them fear for their lives: Mayor David Light, retired Safety Service (director) Mike White, Law Director Stuart O’Hara and retired (police) Chief Dave Smith, (top four in command during botched (name left out) investigation,” one post states.
That post was made by a person calling themselves “Jeff Logan.” Prosecutors suspect that “Jeff Logan,” who frequently repeats things that Ashli Ford posts at social media and defends her, is not the person’s true identity.
It’s unknown if Judge Boros’ order will allow Ford’s supporters to continue making disparaging comments about the victims. During the hearing, Boros repeatedly admonished Ford, saying she is a convicted felon and as such must follow the rules.
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