Donna,
I practice in OH only. If I understand the situation correctly, you are seeking restitution from this guy. That seems connected to the criminal case in which he pled. The court would order restitution to the victims. If you are seeking property damage, this would be a civil cause of action (a private person vs. another private person). In OH, these claims have a 4 year SOL. And, if it is a private cause of action, you aren't required to serve him, the clerk's office is required to serve him. Yes, you are the person that asks the clerk to do it, but, physically, you aren't doing the service (unless you have been appointed a special process server). You always have the option of service by publication in a local newspaper serving your county. This is usually expensive.

If it is restitution you are seeking, I think your state has a victims of crime program, and you can seek restitution from them, directly.

I practice in Ohio only, and this should only be construed as general advice, and not used to rely upon. Everyone should always seek opinions of an attorney licensed to practice in their own state.