MARION, OH (MARION COUNTY NOW)— In a development that has raised eyebrows, a former Marion man, Wayne E. Sisson III, (now residing in Mansfield), has seen his felony charges—originally carrying a potential prison sentence of more than eight years—dismissed in favor of a lesser misdemeanor charge.
Sisson faced serious charges, including felonious assault, a second-degree felony, strangulation, a fourth-degree felony, and domestic violence, a first-degree misdemeanor. However, according to court documents, the felony charges were dismissed due to a plea negotiation reached in Municipal Court.
Assistant Prosecutor Allison Kessler made the motion to dismiss the charges on behalf of the State.
Marion Common Pleas Court Judge Todd Anderson granted the motion to dismiss, stating, “The Court concludes that the State has shown good cause for dismissal. Specifically, Defendant pled guilty to the misdemeanor charge as part of a negotiated plea deal to resolve this case. Double Jeopardy bars further prosecution of this case. Moreover, Defendant’s agreement to plead guilty to a misdemeanor offense supplies good cause for dismissal of this case.”
Judge Anderson further noted that the dismissal was in compliance with Marsy’s Law, a victim’s rights law.
The judge officially dismissed the case with prejudice, meaning it cannot be refiled.
Sisson was represented by court-appointed attorney Jack VanBibber, who is currently under investigation for multiple ethical violations.
Under the terms of the guilty plea, Sisson was sentenced to 180 days in jail, with 158 days suspended, and placed on two years of community control. He is also prohibited from having any contact with the victim in the case.