Executive Summary
- Jordan Groff was sentenced to community control sanctions by Judge Travis Fliehman in Darke County.
- Groff pleaded guilty to attempted endangering children, a fourth-degree felony, under a plea deal.
- Original charges of permitting child abuse and endangering children were dismissed or amended.
- The defense cited Groff’s lack of prior criminal history and current enrollment in counseling.
GREENVILLE, Ohio — Jordan Groff was sentenced to community control sanctions in Darke County Common Pleas Court on December 29 following a guilty plea to a charge of attempted endangering children. Judge Travis Fliehman presided over the hearing, which resolved a case stemming from incidents reported earlier this year.
According to court filings, Groff was originally indicted on two third-degree felony counts: permitting child abuse and endangering children. The indictment alleged that Groff, as a parent, recklessly caused serious physical harm to a confidential victim on or around March 24. Prosecutors stated that the initial charges involved accusations of permitting abuse or physical discipline in a cruel manner.
Court records indicate that a plea agreement was reached between the defense and the state, which Groff signed on September 12. Under the terms of the deal, the state dismissed the first count of permitting child abuse. In exchange, Groff pleaded guilty on November 10 to an amended second count of attempted endangering children, a felony of the fourth degree.
During the sentencing hearing, defense attorney Alexander Pendl recommended community control sanctions. Pendl argued that Groff had no prior criminal history and characterized the incident as a mistake made during a stressful time, asserting there was no intent to harm the child. Pendl also directed the court’s attention to multiple character statements submitted by friends and family.
Groff addressed the court directly, expressing remorse for the harm caused to the child. He stated that he is currently in counseling to address the issues that led to the incident and is working to become a better parent. Judge Fliehman acknowledged the written support from Groff’s community, noting that parenting presents ongoing challenges.
Judicial Review
The sentencing in this case illustrates the application of judicial discretion in handling fourth-degree felonies, particularly when a defendant lacks a prior criminal record. Community control sanctions allow the court to monitor an offender while mandating rehabilitative measures, such as the counseling mentioned in these proceedings, rather than imposing a prison term. This approach aligns with sentencing guidelines that often prioritize rehabilitation for lower-level felonies where the defendant demonstrates an acceptance of responsibility. It is important to note that criminal charges described in initial indictments are formal accusations, and all defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.
