BELMONT COUNTY, Ohio – A Martins Ferry man was sentenced Thursday after previously pleading guilty to destroying his father’s political opponent’s campaign signs.
Isaiah James Meyer, 25, of Martins Ferry, was sentenced to three days of community service on three misdemeanor counts of criminal damaging/endangering by Belmont County Eastern Division County Court Judge David Trouten. Trouten also handed Meyer a 60-day jail sentence which he suspended.
Trouten also ordered Meyer to pay $300 in restitution for the destroyed campaign signs to their owner, the victim, Vince Gianangeli. Meyer must also pay court costs.
Gianangeli is a Belmont County Commissioner but appeared in court Thursday, he stated to Trouten, as a private citizen to give a victim impact statement.
Gianangeli said he read Meyer’s confession and understands that Meyer was angry and made a mistake. He described Meyer as a “hardworking young man” from a “good family.” Gianangeli said he appreciated that Meyer admitted his guilt.
Gianangeli pleaded for the judge to not sentence Meyer to any jail time.
“I’m pleading for leniency.”
Vince Gianangeli, victim impact statement to court
Gianangeli offered him the opportunity to perform community service in Bellaire with him and students at St. John Central Academy for the annual spring community clean-up. Gianangeli works part-time for the school as a fiscal officer.
Trouten asked Meyer if he agreed to this, which Meyer did. Trouten sentenced Meyer to 8 hours of community service with the students and Gianangeli. He also sentenced Meyer to an additional two 8-hour days of community service at a place of his choosing. Trouten suggested a food pantry or church.
Meyer also addressed the court and apologized to Gianangeli for his actions:
“I made a poor choice. i live with the consequences now. i hope he can accept my apology. i want to be the person my parents raised me to be.”
Isaiah James Meyer, statement to court
In a previous interview, Gianangeli told River News Network that Meyer admitted to destroying and vandalizing his campaign signs in October in a spree across multiple locations in Belmont County. Gianangeli says he was running as the Republican candidate for commissioner against Isaiah James Meyer’s father, then incumbent commissioner Josh Meyer.
Former Belmont County commissioner’s son pleads guilty to destroying dad’s opponent’s campaign signs
In his victim impact statement Thursday, Gianangeli said he did not have any animosity toward the Meyer family.
Trouten emphasized the impact of Meyer’s destruction of political signs, saying “our system of democracy is under attack every day.”
Democrat officials in Belmont County complained their signs were being stolen during the 2024 campaign season last October and called for anyone found guilty to be sentenced to jail.
Enjoy a free meal in jail if you steal a campaign sign in Belmont County
Instead of jail, Meyer will complete part of his community service this spring alongside Gianangeli.
