Hillsboro man sentenced for assault on a peace officer
A Hillsboro man incarcerated since last May was sentenced to an additional nine months in prison recently after pleading guilty to a fourth-degree felony charge of assault on a peace officer.
Nichlas D. Tillard, 34, was indicted on that charge in September 2023. The indictment alleged that on or about May 3, Tillard “did knowingly cause or attempt to cause physical harm” to an area peace officer.
Tillard, who was represented by attorney Jeffery Blosser, pleaded guilty to the assault charge Feb. 5.
As previously reported, Tillard was sentenced in Highland County Common Pleas Court, by Judge Rocky Coss, to one year in prison May 3 after pleading guilty to endangering children, a fourth-degree felony, and domestic violence, a first-degree misdemeanor.
According to Highland County Assistant Prosecutor Adam King, while in the courtroom in May, Tillard “mowed over” the victim. Judge Coss recused himself from the subsequent assault case, with Judge Daniel T. Hogan appointed to preside.
“The state and defense were arguing the sentence,” King explained to Hogan during the Feb. 5 hearing. “During the course of the hearing, the defendant realized, once Judge Coss started speaking, that he was going to be sentenced to a term of incarceration.
“[Tillard] stood up, went through this entranceway right here and started going toward the doorway.”
King told Hogan that the victim “stood up and attempted to block the doorway,” and Tillard “ran straight through” the victim, knocking the victim “to the ground” and “causing minor injuries.” Tillard was later apprehended “at a residence in Hillsboro,” King said.
After pleading guilty, Tillard told the judge he was sorry.
“I want to apologize for my actions,” Tillard said. “It was very stupid of me to do, and I regret it more than ever.
“I hate the fact that I’ve done this to myself and my family.”
Hogan sentenced Tillard to nine months in prison, to be served consecutively to his current one-year term. Tillard was also ordered to pay $99 in restitution to the victim.
Tillard has been incarcerated in the Warren Correctional Institution since May 12, according to the Ohio Department of Rehabilitation and Correction. His expected release date is Nov. 21.
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