Activist gets probation for trespassing

2/23/2008

Environmental activist Richard VanLandingham III, once a Toledo City Council candidate, is on probation for one year after entering a plea to a misdemeanor charge of trespassing.

Mr. VanLandingham, 38, of 1326 Paxton St. was found guilty last month in Lucas County Common Pleas Court.

He originally had been charged with breaking and entering, a felony.

Mr. VanLandingham was seen on a ladder entering the unoccupied residence in the 1200 block of Paxton. He was accused of stealing fixtures from the house in October, according to a Toledo police report.

Judge James Jensen sentenced him to 30 days in the Corrections Center of Northwest Ohio, Stryker, but Judge Jensen suspended the sentence in lieu of probation.

As part of his probation, Mr. VanLandingham must stay employed and undergo and complete mental health treatment.