Thursday, March 8th, 2007
Man sentenced for assault charge
By Margie Wuebker
A Mendon man who assaulted a corrections officer at the Mercer County Jail is headed to prison after a Wednesday morning appearance in Mercer County Common Pleas Court.
Paul E. Kallenberger, 32, 10473 Charter St., glanced back at family members and shook his head slightly after Judge Jeffrey Ingraham imposed a 10-month sentence. Credit was given for 54 days already served since the defendant's Jan. 12 arrest and subsequent indictment on a fifth-degree felony charge of assault.
Defense attorney Dan Myers, who labeled his client's actions as "stupid," requested community control sanctions or a minimum six-month sentence. He noted Kallenberger continues to deal with attention deficit disorder and bi-polar problems and qualified for his GED while confined to the Worth Center in Lima in an unrelated criminal case.
"I'm sorry for what I did," the Mendon man said. "And I'm sorry that I can't be a good father for my young children."
A significant prison sentence was requested by Mercer County Assistant Prosecutor Matt Fox.
"Had it not been for the experience and training of corrections officers and law enforcement officers who responded, he could be facing a more serious charge," Fox said.
Ingraham reviewed the defendant's prior criminal history and alluded to problems associated with a bi-polar condition, ADD, compulsive addictive behavior and a seasonal affective disorder leading to depression.
"Alcohol exacerbates your problems," the judge said. "In that respect you do have a substance abuse problem that needs to be addressed."
Kallenberger, who had been drinking prior to the assault, was brought to jail Jan. 12 by Celina Police Officer Andy Regedanz following a criminal mischief incident. The prisoner became uncooperative during the booking process and grabbed Deputy Michael Link around the neck and shoulders. He also pushed the corrections officer against a block and glass wall.
Authorities, including officers who came in response to a call for assistance, subdued Kallenberger and placed him in a nearby cell. No one was injured in the fracas.
