2 sentenced in Common Pleas Court

Van Wert independent

Three people appeared for hearings in Van Wert County Common Pleas Court on Tuesday morning.

Tom Karnehm Jr., 56, of Van Wert, changed his plea from not guilty to guilty on a two-count indictment charging him with trafficking in marijuana in the vicinity of a school, both fourth-degree felonies.

A presentence investigation was ordered and sentencing scheduled for 9 a.m. Wednesday, July 11.

Kyle Caldwell, 32, of Van Wert, was sentenced on a charge of trespassing in a habitation, a fourth-degree felony offense. Caldwell was given three years of community control, including 90 days of electronically monitored house arrest, if he qualifies; if not, he will spend 90 days in jail. He must also undergo a substance abuse assessment and complete any recommended programs.

David Pratt, 33, of Van Wert, was sentenced to three years of community control on a charge of possession of heroin, a fifth-degree felony offense. As part of his community control sentence, Pratt must also spend 180 days in jail and undergo a substance abuse assessment. His driver’s license was also suspended for six months.