‘Bicycle Bob’ gets 130 days
By Jane Beathard
Staff Writer
London resident Robert “Bicycle Bob” Knisley, 66, will call Tri-County Regional Jail his home for 28 more days.
Knisley was sentenced to 130 days behind bars on Thursday for selling marijuana to an undercover operative on Oct. 26, 2011. However, Madison County Common Pleas Judge Robert D. Nichols credited Knisley for 102 days already served, leaving the 28-day balance.
Knisley is a familiar figure around town as he pedals city streets and area bike trails — his shoulder-length grey hair flying in the breeze.
Nichols expressed concern about Knisley’s apparent lack of a permanent residence.
“I’m concerned about releasing him to the street,” Nichols told defense attorney Josh Peistrup.
Knisley told Nichols that he’s been in contact with another London man who will provide a home.
Knisley is one of 15 city residents arrested in a Dec. 19, 2011 sweep of suspected local drug dealers. He was released on a signature bond, but violated the terms of that bond and was re-arrested on Dec. 29. He’s been in jail since that date.
“He’s (essentially) served his sentence,” Nichols said.
Also on Thursday, Benjy R. Tipton, 50, 57 W. Center St., London, was sentenced to six months in prison for selling marijuana on June 14, 2011.
Tipton pleaded guilty to a trafficking charge in February.
Like Knisley, Tipton was netted in the December sweep. Unlike Knisley, Tipton’s criminal history includes two prior felony convictions.
Under Ohio’s new sentencing guidelines, those convictions spelled additional prison time for Tipton. However, Nichols said he would not oppose early release if the man completes rehabilitation programs within the prison system.
In other common pleas court action on Thursday:
• Jacob M. Heyder, 19, 4510 Edler Court, Hilliard, was sentenced to a year of community control for breaking into Agape Christian Church at 249 W. Main St. in Plain City on Aug. 20, 2011. Heyder pleaded guilty to breaking and entering in February.
Heyder and co-defendant Kyle Koch were also ordered to make $2,200 in restitution to the church within the next year.
• Alan Mello, 24, 338 Gay St., Plain City, was sentenced to 15 days in jail for failing to pay $945 in court costs, stemming from a 2010 conviction for theft by deception.
