Convoy man convicted on sex charges

DAVE MOSIER/independent editor

A Convoy man who was found guilty on sex-related charges following a two-day jury trial was one of those who appeared this past week in Van Wert County Common Pleas Court.

Ashley Lewis, 40, of Convoy, was found guilty on two of three counts of gross sexual imposition following a jury trial that ended Tuesday. The jury found him not guilty on the third count.

A presentence investigation will now be conducted and Lewis will appear for sentencing at 9 a.m. Thursday, March 19.

Other cases appearing during the week include the following:

Courtney Palmateer, 19, of Cincinnati, entered a not guilty plea to one count of counterfeiting, a felony of the fourth degree. She was released on an unsecured personal surety bond and will appear for a pretrial conference at 8 a.m. Wednesday, March 4.

Justin Reiley, 37, of Van Wert, pleaded guilty to a prosecutor’s bill of information charging him with unauthorized use of a motor vehicle, a first-degree misdemeanor. Sentencing will take place at 9 a.m. Wednesday, February 19.

Three people entered changes of plea to existing charges.

Christina Hemker, 31, of Fort Jennings, changed her plea to guilty to one count each of receiving stolen property, a felony of the fourth degree, and failure to comply with the order of a police officer (fleeing), a third-degree felony offense. Bond was continued and sentencing was scheduled for 9 a.m. Monday, March 16.

Samantha Lacy, 27, of Van Wert, changed her plea to guilty to one count of aggravated possession of drugs (methamphetamine), a felony of the fifth degree. She was sentenced to 90 days in jail.

Alexandria Fletter, 21, of Van Wert, changed her plea to guilty to one count each of aggravated possession of drugs, a fifth-degree felony, and possession of drug abuse instruments, a misdemeanor of the first degree. She then requested, and was granted, intervention in lieu of conviction and her case was stayed until she successfully completes a substance abuse treatment program.