7 people appear in Common Pleas Court

DAVE MOSIER/independent editor

Six people appeared before Judge Martin Burchfield in Van Wert County Common Pleas Court on Wednesday, while Probate-Juvenile Judge Kevin Taylor also heard one case on Wednesday.

Faith Busbey, 33, of Lima, pleaded not guilty to a charge of possession of heroin, a fifth-degree felony, during an arraignment hearing held Wednesday. She was released on a personal surety bond and a pretrial conference was scheduled for 8 a.m. Wednesday, August 5.

Two people also entered changes of plea during hearings held Wednesday.

Carl Elston, 36, of Van Wert, changed his plea to guilty to a charge of domestic violence, a first-degree misdemeanor (reduced from a fourth-degree felony). A presentence investigation was ordered in the case and sentencing scheduled for 9 a.m. Wednesday, September 9.

Ryan Shields, 29, of Van Wert, changed his plea to guilty to one count of failure to register as a sex offender, a felony of the fourth degree. A presentence investigation was also ordered in Shields’ case and he will appear for sentencing at 9 a.m. September 9.

Drew Kenny, 22, of Van Wert, admitted to violating his probation by failing to take drug test when requested. A pretrial conference was scheduled for 8 a.m. August 5.

Jeremy Busbey, 35, of Lima, admitted he violated his probation by failing to report to probation after being released from jail. He was released on a surety bond and ordered to report to probation immediately. A pretrial conference was also scheduled for 8 a.m. August 5.

Brett Fortney, 29, of Van Wert, requested a polygraph examination and also waived his right to a speedy trial. Judge Burchfield will schedule a status conference in the case in two months.

Shane Harter, 35, of Delphos, admitted to violating his probation by not reporting to probation, but denied a second violation for not maintaining his job.

Judge Taylor continued the case to gather more information on Harter’s employment situation.