Hearing slated for suspect in Sandusky County home invasion

FREMONT - A pretrial hearing has been set for Tuesday for one of three men charged in the beating and robbery of an elderly Sandusky County couple after his accomplices agreed to testify against him, authorities said.

"As part of the plea negotiation, they agreed to cooperate with the prosecution, which could lead to them testifying against the third defendant," said Brock Kimmet, the court administrator.

Paul Bidwell, 32, of Fostoria, and Ronald Ruby, 33, of Toledo, have each changed their original pleas of not guilty to all charges, while Jimmy Houston, 33, of Woodville, has not.

The two men pleaded guilty to two counts each of attempted murder, kidnapping, and aggravated burglary with a firearm specification, as well as grand theft, according to court records.

All three were indicted in July by a special grand jury on two counts each of attempted aggravated murder, kidnapping, and aggravated robbery, 33 counts of theft, and one count each of aggravated burglary and of felonious assault.

The charges stem from a break-in July 2 at the home of James Kohler, 74, and his wife, Mary, 76.

The couple were beaten and numerous items, including an extensive gun collection, were stolen.

Mr. Houston was the one who knew of the gun collection and allegedly went to the house twice within two months before the break-in.

He went there to case the house for a future break-in, according to Toledo police who played a part in the investigation.