VW teen pleads to rash of city thefts

Van Wert independent

A Lima man was given a prison term for a felony drunk driving conviction, while a Van Wert man pleaded guilty to charges stemming from a rash of residential and vehicle burglaries in the city.

Joseph N. Suever, 59, received a two-year prison sentence on a charge of operating a vehicle while under the influence of alcohol. Judge Charles D. Steele also fined Suever $1,350 and court costs.

He was remanded to the Van Wert County Sheriff’s Department for transportation to prison.

Ian D. Taylor, 19, of Van Wert, pleaded guilty to 11 felony charges that include theft, a fifth-degree felony; trespassing in a place of habitation, a fourth-degree felony offense; and a second-degree count of burglary.

Taylor was arrested by the Van Wert Police Department for a series of city thefts and burglaries that occurred in February in the southern portion of the city. A search of his residence by Van Wert police in March led to the recovery of a number of stolen items.

A $100,000 cash bond was continued until Taylor’s sentencing at 9 a.m. Wednesday, May 23.