Applause broke-out in a crowded Trumbull County courtroom Friday morning as a judge ordered Keith Urso held without bond until trial.
"If you have a record or history that is so bad, the court will consider the risk to the community with your release," said Trumbull County Prosecutor Dennis Watkins.
Urso is facing his 14th OVI offense after being pulled over last month along Route 88 in Mecca. Deputies said he was driving erratically at the time and had empty beer cans in his pickup.
Representatives from community organizations that packed the courtroom to support the prosecutors argument, said they feel safer that Urso will remain behind bars.
"Yes, we are happy he is not on the streets," said Bob Weitzel, Northwest Neighborhood Association. "A guy with 14 and 15 DUIs should be held without bail."
Urso's defense lawyer argued that his client won't be able to get a fair trial in Trumbull County because of all the publicity the case is receiving.
"This is just a show for publicity and I think it hurts his chances of getting a fair trial in this county," Atty. Tony Consoldane said.
Urso declined to comment on the matter as he was being led off to the county jail. He is due back in court in a few weeks.
