3 people appear for CP Court hearings

Van Wert independent

Three people were in Van Wert County Common Pleas Court on Wednesday, with two of those making plea changes and another appearing for a bond violation hearing.

Those entering changes of pleas include the following:

Lisa Couch, 46, of Van Wert, changed her plea to guilty to a reduced charge of domestic violence, a first-degree misdemeanor (reduced from a fourth-degree felony).

Van Wert County Probate-Juvenile Judge Kevin Taylor, hearing the cases on assignment from the Ohio Supreme Court, ordered a presentence investigation and scheduled sentencing for 9 a.m. Wednesday, February 18.

Shawn Smith, 29, of Van Wert, changed her plea to guilty to one count of possession of drugs, a fifth-degree felony offense. She then requested, and Judge Taylor granted, treatment in lieu of conviction. Her case was then stayed until her successful completion of a substance abuse treatment program.

Joshua Minyoung, 31, of Van Wert, also appeared in Common Pleas Court and admitted violating his personal surety bond by failing to report to the Van Wert County Adult Probation Department and by not completing a presentence interview.

Judge Taylor ordered Minyoung held in jail until the presentence interview is completed, when he wil then be re-released on a surety bond until sentencing is held.