DAVE MOSIER/independent editor

Three arraignments on drug trafficking charges were among the 12 hearings held Wednesday morning in Van Wert County Common Pleas Court.

The following people were arraigned on drug trafficking charges:

Jason Vanover, 32, of Van Wert, entered not guilty pleas to three counts each of trafficking in drugs and complicity in trafficking in drugs, all fifth-degree felony offenses. He was released on a personal surety bond and a pretrial conference was scheduled for 8 a.m. Wednesday, October 10.

April Franklin, 30, of Bryan, pleaded not guilty to a charge of trafficking in counterfeit controlled substances, a fifth-degree felony. She was released on a surety bond and will appear for a pretrial conference at 8 a.m. October 10.

Zachary Springer, 20, of Van Wert, pleaded guilty to a charge of trafficking in marijuana, a felony of the fifth degree. He was then sentenced to three years of community control, under the same conditions as his previous case, which includes up a stay of up to six months in the Western Ohio Regional Treatment and Habilitation (WORTH) Center in Lima.

Four others entered changes of plea to a variety of charges during hearings held Wednesday. They include:

Calvin Placke, 18, of Middle Point, changed his plea to guilty to two counts of breaking and entering, both fifth-degree felony offenses. A third breaking and entering count and a misdemeanor count of criminal damaging were dismissed in exchange for his guilty plea on the other two charges. A presentence investigation was ordered by Judge Charles D. Steele and sentencing was set for 9 a.m. Wednesday, November 14.

Katie Zimmerman, 26, of Van Wert, pleaded guilty to a charge of aggravated possession of drugs, a fifth-degree felony. She then requested, and was granted, treatment in lieu of conviction, and was then placed under the supervision of the Adult Probation Department until her treatment is completed.

Steven Putt, 43, of Decatur, Ind., entered a guilty plea to an amended charge of nonsupport of dependents, a first-degree misdemeanor, which was reduced from a fifth-degree felony in exchange for his guilty plea. Sentencing will occur at a later date.

Michael Reichert, 29, of Van Wert, pleaded guilty to a charge of attempted grand theft, a felony of the fourth degree. The charge was downgraded from a third-degree felony in exchange for his guilty plea. A presentence investigation was ordered and sentencing set for 9 a.m. Wednesday, November 7.

Three people were also sentenced during Wednesday’s court hearings. They include:

Bobbie Spyres, 19, of Ohio City, received a year of community control on a charge of attempted forgery, a misdemeanor of the first degree.

Christopher Lindeman, 24, of Delphos, was given a year of community control on a first-degree misdemeanor charge of theft. He must also complete a substance abuse assessment and follow any treatment recommended, and make restitution totaling $160 to the victim in the case.

Alisha Monroe, 29, of Van Wert, received three years of community control on a charge of theft, a fifth-degree felony offense. She must also undergo a psychological assessment and any treatment ordered, as well as make restitution to Laudick’s Jewelry in the amount of $200.

Two people also appeared on probation violations. They include:

William Shinnaberry, 20, of Van Wert, admitted to violating his probation by failing to report to the probation office and by not completing counseling. Judge Steele reimposed a three-year term of community control, but added up to six months at the WORTH Center to the sentence.

Tyler Dirham, 20, of Van Wert, admitted violating his treatment in lieu of conviction program by testing positive for heroin. Judge Steele continued the hearing until next week so that further information could be included.