Toledo man sentenced to 31-to-life for home invasion shooting

TIFFIN — A Toledo man could spend the rest of his life in prison in connection with a home invasion that left a man shot to death at a Fostoria residence in October 2019.Seneca County Common Pleas Court Judge Michael P. Kelbley on Wednesday sentenced Jeron Sutton, 29, to a minimum of 31 years and a maximum of life on five charges stemming from an Oct. 19, 2019, incident on the 200 block of West Lytle Street in which Sutton's accomplice was killed by a resident of the home, according to a press release from Seneca County Prosecutor Derek W. DeVine's office.An appeal will be filed, the press release said."These convictions will serve to protect our community from Mr. Sutton or others who consider engaging in such high-risk criminal activities," DeVine, who represented the state in the case against Sutton, was quoted saying in the press release. "The Fostoria Police Department, especially Detective Brandon Bell, are to be congratulated on a thorough investigation."Bell, a member of the Seneca County Drug Task Force/METRICH Enforcement Unit, declined to comment on Thursday. Fostoria Police Chief Keith Loreno was not available for comment, but after Sutton was convicted of all charges on June 11, he said, "I would like to thank all of my staff who worked diligently on this investigation and also the Seneca County Prosecutor's Office, who worked with us the entire time."Sutton waived his right to a jury trial, and Kelbley found him guilty of murder with a gun specification, aggravated burglary with a gun specification, aggravated robbery with a gun specification, attempted murder with a gun specification and having weapons under a disability.A pre-sentence investigation was conducted prior to Kelbley announcing his decision on Wednesday."This case involved two criminals who kicked in a door, armed with guns and wearing a bullet-proof vest," DeVine said after the convictions were returned in June.During the home invasion, which authorities have said was drug related, the owner of the residence reportedly struggled with the two intruders, during which time he and one of the suspects ended up being shot. The deceased was identified as Christopher F. Cavaness, 30, of Toledo.Sutton was arrested in Toledo in January 2020, according to reports, after he led officers in a vehicle chase until Sutton's vehicle became stuck in a yard. Sutton attempted to flee on foot but was apprehended in the backyard of a residence. Fentanyl was reportedly recovered from Sutton's vehicle."On behalf of my officers of Fostoria, I truly appreciate the professionalism and assistance provided by the Toledo Police," Loreno said at the time of the arrest. "They really went out of their way to apprehend this dangerous individual."Toledo attorney Richard Kreger represented Sutton at sentencing.