1 sentenced, 2 arraigned in CP Court

DAVE MOSIER/independent editor

Two people were arraigned and several other appeared for other reasons Wednesday in Van Wert County Common Pleas Court.

Robert Spooner, 37, of Fort Wayne, Ind., entered not guilty pleas to three counts of breaking and entering, each a felony of the fifth degree, and safecracking, a fourth-degree felony. No bond was set, as Spooner is currently in prison, but a pretrial conference ws scheduled for 8 a.m. Wednesday, March 7.

Chad Mcross, 19, of Van Wert, pleaded not guilty to one count of breaking and entering, a felony of the fifth degree, and one first-degree misdemeanor count of receiving stolen property. He was released on a personal surety bond and a pretrial conference set for 8 a.m. May 7.

One person was also sentenced on Wednesday. Anthony Oliver, 19, of Van Wert, was sentenced to community control, with the addition of up to six months in the Western Ohio Regional Treatment and Habilitation (WORTH) Center in Lima, on a charge of breaking and entering, a felony of the fifth degree, and one count of attempted burglary, a fourth-degree felony offense.

Also Wednesday, Ryan Schaadt, 29, of Van Wert, had his bond increased to $10,000 cash after he admitted to violating his personal surety bond by failing to report to his probation officer.

Four people also entered plea changes during hearings on Wednesday.

Savannah Williams, 27, of Mendon, changed her plea to guilty to one count of attempted complicity to burglary, a felony of the third degree. The charge was downgraded from complicity to burglary, a second-degree felony offense. A presentence investigation was ordered and sentencing scheduled for 9 a.m. Wednesday, May 21.

Dennis Gallaspie, 65, of Lima, changed his plea to guilty to one count of trafficking in marijuana, a felony of the fifth degree. He also admitted to using a 2006 Honda Civic in commission of the crime, and also having $214 in cash related to the drug trafficking count. Judge Charles D. Steele ordered a presentence investigation and set sentencing for 9 a.m. May 21.

Tyler Mohr, 19, of Van Wert, also changed his plea to guilty to one count of grand theft, a felony of the third degree. A presentence investigation will be conducted and Mohr will appear for sentencing at 9 a.m. May 21.

Ethan Mezuk, 23, of Convoy, changed his plea to guilty to one count of possession of heroin, a fifth-degree felony offense. He then requested, and was granted, treatment in lieu of conviction. Judge Steele stayed the case until Mezuk successfully completes a substance abuse treatment program.