Man arraigned on attempted murder count

DAVE MOSIER/independent editor

Three people were arraigned on grand jury indictments during hearings held Wednesday in Van Wert County Common Pleas Court.

Stephen Spieldenner, 50, of Lima, pleaded not guilty to one count each of attempted murder with a firearm specification and aggravated burglary with a firearm specification, each a felony of the first degree, and one count of felonious assault with a firearm specification, a second-degree felony. A $250,000 cash bond was set in the case and a telephone pretrial conference was scheduled for 8:30 a.m. Tuesday, April 28.

Marissa Kreischer, 34, of Van Wert, entered not guilty pleas to one count each of failure to comply with the order of a police officer, a felony of the third degree, and assault of a peace officer, a fourth-degree felony. Kreischer was ordered held on a $25,000 cash bond and a telephone pretrial conference will be held at 8 a.m. April 28.

Ashley McKee, 36, of Van Wert, pleaded not guilty to one count each of failure to comply with an order of a police officer, a felony of the third degree; and failure to stop after an accident and driving under a license suspension, each a misdemeanor of the first degree. A $25,000 cash bond was set in the case and a telephone pretrial conference to be held at 8 a.m. Wednesday, April 29.

Also Wednesday, Austin Schwaner, 20, of Van Wert, changed his plea to guilty to one count of unlawful sexual conduct with a minor, a felony of the fourth degree. Judge Martin D. Burchfield ordered a presentence investigation in the case and scheduled sentencing for 9 a.m. Wednesday, June 3.

Landin Burch, 19, of Convoy, entered as guilty plea to a prosecutor’s bill of information charging hi with discharge of a firearm on or near prohibited premises, a misdemeanor of the first degree. Burch was fined $500 and costs and the two firearms involved were forfeited to the state.