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30 year old Nathan Johnson pled guilty to a first-degree felony charge of aggravated burglary, a second-degree felony for felonious assault and a second-degree felony for burglary.
COLUMBIANA, Ohio - A Columbiana man will be behind bars for nearly a decade after breaking into two homes. One of the two homes broken into belonged to a judge and a former State Representative.
30 year old Nathan Johnson pled guilty to a first-degree felony charge of aggravated burglary, a second-degree felony for felonious assault and a second-degree felony for burglary.
The incident happened on Hatcher Road on July 15.
Johnson went to the home of 7th District Court of Appeals judge Carol Robb and former state representative Chuck Blasdel.
Johnson’s attorney said he recently became obsessed with the idea that his girlfriend was abducted.
When Blasdel did not let Johnson in the house, he was punched. Johnson then used a wooden chair to break through a glass door, and enter the home. He also stole a cellphone from someone in the home who was trying to call 911.
Before being sentenced, his mother spoke about her son’s character at the stand.
“I know that Nathan would have never hurt any of those children that day. Ever,” said Johnson’s mother.
Columbiana County Court of Common Pleas Judge Megan Bickerton also spoke about the home invasions.
“The one little girl locked herself in a room when you were breaking through the door. I can't imagine the fear,” said Bickerton.
Johnson said he knew the family prior to breaking in, and apologized for his actions.
“Scaring those girls that day is the worst thing I've ever done in my life,” said Johnson.
But Judge Bickerton questioned his change of heart.
“You're sorry now, were you sorry when this all happened? Not during the events. Because Mr. Blasdel begged you, begged you, not to harm his daughter. Can you imagine as a father?” said Bickerton.
Judge Bickerton took the State’s recommendation, and sentenced Johnson to 7 to 10 1/2 in prison.