Three people appear for court hearings

SCOTT TRUXELL/independent editor

A Van Wert man avoided time behind bars after changing his plea to a pair of drug charges in Van Wert County Common Pleas Court.

Donald Hammons, 44, pleaded guilty to aggravated possession of drugs, a third degree felony, amended from a second degree felony, and a second case of aggravated possession of drugs, a felony of the third degree.

He requested and was granted intervention in lieu of conviction and the two cases were stayed pending completion of a treatment program.

Two other defendants appeared for arraignment hearings this past week.

Nathan Elston, 38, Van Wert, pleaded not guilty to felonious Assault, a felony of the second degree, and attempted vehicular assault, a fourth degree felony. He was released on a surety bond and a pretrial hearing was scheduled for 10 a.m. April 14.

Travis Faulkner, 47, Van Wert, entered a not guilty plea to a charge of theft, a fifth degree felony. He was released on surety bond and a pretrial hearing was set for 9 a.m. April 20.