Defendants appear for court hearings

VW independent staff

Eight criminal defendants appeared in Van Wert County Common Pleas Court for various hearings this week. Judge Martin D. Burchfield presided over each of the hearings.

Bond violation

Dylan Slagle, 22, of Van Wert, denied violating his bond by having contact with a victim. He was released on a surety bond along with electronic house arrest and curfew. A further hearing was set for 9 a.m. Tuesday, June 16.

Joshua Burnett, 48, of Van Wert, admitted to violating his bond by failing to report to court. Trial dates were set for July 27, 28 and 29 and his $250,000 cash bond was continued.

Arraignments

Megan Lane, 22, of Van Wert, entered a not guilty plea to tampering with evidence, a third degree felony, and possessing drug abuse instruments, a second degree misdemeanor. She was released on a surety bond and a pre-trial conference was scheduled for 8:30 a.m. July 1.

Kyle Jones, 38, of Delphos, entered a not guilty plea to two counts of aggravated trafficking in drugs, second degree felonies; aggravated possession of drugs, also a second degree degree, and possession of drugs, a fourth degree felony. He was released on a surety bond with electronic house arrest and a pre-trial conference was scheduled for 8 a.m. July 1.

Sentencing

Daniel Green, 50, of Van Wert, was sentenced to up to six months at the WORTH Center, three years of community control and 30 days in jail at a later date for aggravated possession of drugs, a fifth degree felony. In addition, he must perform 100 hours of community service, seek and maintain employment, complete a mental health and substance abuse assessment and any treatment and ordered to pay court costs.

Probation violation

Amani Perkins, 20, of Van Wert, admitted to violating his probation by failing to complete an assessment and engage in treatment, and had contact with the victim. Bond was set at $25,000 cash or surety with a continued no-contact order. Sentencing was scheduled for 9 a.m. July 29.

Corey Salisbury, 44, of Van Wert, admitted to violating his probation by not reporting a change of address and having contact with victim. Judge Burchfield set a further hearing for 2 p.m. Tuesday, June 16. Bond was set at $25,000 cash or surety and continued no contact order.

Plea change

Joel Crawford, 38, of Van Wert, changed his plea to guilty of grand theft, a third degree felony. Judge Burchfield ordered a pre-sentence evaluation and set sentencing for 9 a.m. July 22.