4 appear in CP Court for criminal hearings

Van Wert independent news

Four people appeared Wednesday in Van Wert County Common Pleas Court for criminal hearings.

Two people appeared for change of plea hearings.

Arthur Halas, 23, of Celina, changed his plea to guilty to a charge of theft, a felony of the fifth degree. He then requested, and was granted, treatment in lieu of conviction. His case was stayed pending successful completion of a substance abuse treatment program.

Thomas Keller, 50, of Delphos, had his charge of felony theft amended to attempted theft, a misdemeanor of the first degree. Judge Martin Burchfield then ordered a presentence investigation and scheduled sentencing for 9 a.m. Wednesday, July 13.

Also Wednesday, Tyler Roth, 29, of Van Wert, signed a form waiving his constitutional right to a speedy trial and requested a continuance of his July trial date. On Roth’s request, the county prosecutor’s office agreed to reduce bond to a surety bond, with the stipulation he have no contact with the alleged victim in the case.

Roth faces five sex-related charges, including one count each of kidnapping and rape, both felonies of the first degree; abduction and sexual battery, each a third-degree felony; and a fourth-degree felony count of gross sexual imposition.

David Brooks, 32, of Delphos, also appeared Wednesday on a bond violation hearing for failing to report to probation. He admitted to the violation and Judge Burchfield ordered him held in jail until 4 p.m. Friday to allow completion of an interview for his presentence investigation.

Sentencing was scheduled for 9 a.m. Wednesday, June 8.