Man heads back to prison after release

YOUNGSTOWN -- A 21-year-old city man who committed crimes while on emergency release from Mahoning County jail is headed to prison.
Judge James C. Evans of common pleas court sentenced Edward J. Thomas of East Warren Avenue to a total of four years in prison -- one year for each of four criminal cases. The judge ruled Thursday the sentences will be served consecutively.
Thomas previously pleaded guilty to charges of receiving stolen property in a January car theft; receiving stolen property in a February car theft; carrying a concealed weapon in May; and receiving stolen property and improperly handling a firearm in a motor vehicle in a September car theft.
Thomas was given emergency release from the county jail in June and in September because he was a nonviolent offender. For months, the jail has been limited to 296 inmates despite a capacity of 564 because of a federal court order that addresses staffing and overcrowding. Offenders who receive emergency release serve their terms at later dates.
Sheriff Randall A. Wellington has called Thomas a "prime example" of inmates who are furloughed and get arrested again for committing other crimes.
Judge Evans issued warrants for Thomas after he was arrested Sept. 6. The judge revoked Thomas' bonds and ordered him held in jail despite the release policy. Those warrants, however, were issued after Thomas was released. Police stopped Thomas several days later and held him.