Tiffin man sentenced to nearly 5 years in prison after multiple ‘drug-fueled’ episodes

TIFFIN, OH (TiffinOhio.net News) — A Tiffin man who admitted to burglarizing an Eden Township home and spitting in the face of a Seneca County correctional officer was sentenced to nearly 5 years in prison.

Tiler J. Clinger, 33, pleaded guilty to felony harassment with a bodily substance, and felony burglary, in Judge Michael Kelbley’s courtroom. Kelbley sentenced him to 4 years and 9 months in prison, along with an $85 restitution fee.

Clinger was arrested back in December after authorities received a report of a possible active home invasion around 5:15 PM.

A day after arriving at the Seneca County Jail, Clinger was already “going ballistic,” forcing officers to try to put him in an emergency restraint chair. During this process, Clinger decided to spit on one of the correctional officers during what a source called a “psychotic episode.”

Clinger allegedly forcefully entered the home at 1618 E. US 224 in Eden Township with the intent to commit theft.

Clinger allegedly dropped his personal Bible near a broken basement window, which is where authorities say Clinger forcefully entered the home. Clinger allegedly bolted out the back door when authorities arrived on-scene.

The Bible had Clinger’s name written inside. After bolting out the back door, Clinger used a flashlight to find his way around, but the light led deputies to him when he was arrested.

Clinger’s attorney, Alex Smith, said drug use played a “huge role” in Clinger’s episodes — and that is tied to his mental health.

The Seneca County Sheriff’s Office responded to the scene and conducted the arrest.