Haylee's dad sentenced in felon's escape
By MARK CAUDILL • News Journal • September 23, 2009
MANSFIELD -- Haylee Donathan's father could be out of prison in nine months.
James Donathan, 24, whose last known address was 290 N. Main St., was sentenced Tuesday to three years in prison for complicity to escape. Richland County Common Pleas Judge James DeWeese told Donathan he could apply for early release if he stayed out of trouble.
Donathan pleaded guilty Monday for his role in helping sex offender Robbi Potter flee the local Volunteers of America halfway house. He procured a phone for Potter and acted as a lookout for the vehicle that was to help Potter escape.
Potter's flight led to a month-long, nationwide manhunt for him, Candace Watson and Watson's 4-year-old daughter, Haylee.
Watson, 25, who has no listed address but previously lived in Crestline, pleaded guilty Monday to complicity to escape. She could receive up to five years in prison for the third-degree felony at her Oct. 19 sentencing. Watson has been in custody since June 23, when she and Potter were arrested at a Christian retreat center near San Diego.
Potter was previously convicted of two counts of sexual battery involving 7- and 9-year-old victims.
"I'm just ready to get this done and over with," Donathan told DeWeese, adding he hoped to reunite with his family.
Donathan worked out a plea agreement Monday and was released on bond until sentencing.
"I think he's on the right track here," defense attorney James TyRee said.
First Assistant Prosecutor Brent Robinson declined to address the court.
Donathan, wearing a T-shirt and sporting multiple tattoos on his arms, appeared in court with his mother, Connie, and Mary Watson, Candace's mother.
Connie Donathan told her son she loved him as an officer led him away in handcuffs.
After the hearing, she disputed her son's involvement in Potter's escape.
"I don't believe it was a deliberate act," Connie Donathan said. "He did not knowingly have any knowledge that this was happening. It fell into his lap when he opened his door."
Donathan said she would support her son no matter what.
"That's my baby. Love goes deep," Connie said. "Good, bad, right or wrong, he's mine. Public opinion doesn't matter 'cause it's our family and we're going to do whatever we can to keep it together."
Connie Donathan and Mary Watson both predicted their children, who have dated off-and-on for nine years, will get married despite Candace's previous relationship with Potter.
mcaudill@nncogannett.com
419-521-7219
http://www.mansfieldnewsjournal.com/article/20090923/NEWS01/909230321/1002/rss01