A Hillsboro man previously convicted on more than a dozen felonies through the years was convicted of another one on Thursday when a jury of 12 found him guilty.
Travis D. Gibson, 35, was found guilty of fifth-degree felony theft and sentenced to 12 months in prison, the maximum time allowed on the offense.
Highland County Common Pleas Court Judge Rocky Coss said he based his decision to sentence Gibson to the maximum time for the offense on the defendant’s “long” criminal history.
According to court records, since 1999 in Highland County, Gibson has been convicted on 14 felony charges, a majority of them either theft charges, or theft related. Court records show he has been sentenced to prison a number of times.
On Thursday the state, represented by Highland County Assistant Prosecutor Jim Roeder, called three witnesses, one being the victim and another being Hillsboro police officer Zach Burnett. The defense, represented by attorney Bruce Wallace, called no witnesses to testify.
The jury deliberated on the matter for less than an hour and a half.
Coss also denied a request by the defense to stay Gibson’s sentence to give him time to get his affairs in order.
“You’re a professional thief,” Coss said. “If I let you out there’s a good chance you are going to steal again.”
Following that, Gibson was taken into the custody of the Highland County Sheriff’s Office.
“The jury spoke,” Wallace said after the trial. “It’s how the system works.”
“The state appreciates the jury’s time and its attention to the testimony and evidence,” Roeder said. “I believe justice was served.”
Reach Angela Shepherd at 937-393-3456, ext. 1681, or on Twitter @wordyshepherd.
