A Leopolis man who stole two semi-trucks and a car during a weekend crime spree in August was sentenced Friday to 4½ years in prison.
Calvin K. Ossmann, 27, pleaded guilty in March to three felony counts of taking and operating a vehicle without the owner’s consent, one felony count of fleeing from authorities and several misdemeanor counts.
Ossmann was accused of stealing two semi-tractors, one of which he abandoned, and a car that he drove around on a property, causing some damage during the series of events that started Aug. 1.
Ossmann then led authorities on a high-speed chase in one of the stolen semi-tractors Aug. 3. He backed the vehicle into a Shawano County sheriff’s squad twice before eventually crashing the semi and escaping on foot.
Ossmann subsequently avoided authorities for nearly three weeks while hiding in a barn in the town of Richmond.
Assistant District Attorney Catharine White said Ossman’s crimes were “an aggravated set of circumstances,” but that Ossmann was also “somebody that can be considered the object of some pity and compassion.”
She noted that the victims in the case had all tried to help Ossmann at some point.
Both the prosecution and defense agreed on a recommendation of a seven-year sentence, with 4½ years in prison and 2½ years on extended supervision, which the court followed.
Defense attorney Steven Weerts called it “a fair recommendation under the circumstances.”
Weerts said Ossmann had a good work record and a fascination with trucks, but that “something snapped here.”
Judge James Habeck said Ossmann’s work ethic and the series of incidents he engaged in were a strange combination.
“I don’t often see adults with work ethics that are so willing to destroy other people’s property,” he said.
Ossmann had nothing to to say to the court when asked for a statement.
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