1 sentenced, 4 others appear in CP Court

DAVE MOSIER/independent editor

Five people appeared in Van Wert County Common Pleas Court on Wednesday, with one person sentenced and three people appearing for bond or probation violation hearings.

Amber Smith, 34, of Van Wert, was sentenced to five years of community control, including 30 days in jail, on a charge of possession of heroin, a felony of the fifth degree.

County Probate-Juvenile Court Judge Kevin Taylor noted that Smith could be placed on work release, if qualified, and also ordered her to continue counseling at Westwood Behavioral Health Center and suspended her driver’s license for six months.

Aaron Joseph, 28, of Van Wert, admitted violating his probation by failing to report to probation and using marijuana. Judge Taylor ordered Joseph to serve the balance of his sentence (49 days) in the Van Wert County Correctional Facility, with work release if qualified.

Alisha Elder, 37, of Van Wert, changed her plea from not guilty to guilty to one count each of forgery and theft, both felonies of the fifth degree.

She then requested, and was granted, treatment in lieu of conviction and Judge Martin Burchfield stayed her case pending completion of a substance abuse treatment program.

Zachary Schaeffer, 19, of Delphos, admitted to violating his bond and his treatment in lieu of conviction program by consuming alcohol and inhaling gasoline. Judge Burchfield ordered Schaeffer held without bond for his own protection until a sentencing hearing scheduled for 9 a.m. Wednesday, June 22.

Also Wednesday, Frederick Blessing, 21, of Van Wert, denied violating his probation by refusing treatment at River City Correctional.

Judge Burchfield will schedule a hearing on the matter in the near future.