County Common Pleas Court report

VW independent staff

Eight people were arraigned on various criminal charges in Van Wert County Common Pleas Court on Tuesday and Wednesday. In addition, one defendant appeared in court for violating his probation. Judge Martin D. Burchfield presided over each of the hearings.

Arraignments

Anthony Oliver, 31, of Van Wert, entered a not guilty plea to felonious assault, a second degree felony, and aggravated menacing, a first degree misdemeanor. He was released on a surety bond and was ordered to have no contact with the victim. A pre-trial conference was scheduled for 8 a.m. September 9.

Corey Salisbury, 45, of Rockford, pleaded not guilty to violating a protection order, a fifth degree felony; violating a protection order, a third degree felony, and menacing by stalking, a felony of the fourth degree. He was released on a surety bond and was ordered to have no contact with the victim. A pre-trial conference was set 10:30 a.m. September 9.

Brandon Blackmore, 47, of Ohio City, entered a not guilty plea to strangulation and domestic violence, both fourth degree felonies. He was released on a surety bond and a pre-trial conference was scheduled for 8 a.m. September 2. 

Sonny Metzger, 51, of Van Wert, entered a not guilty plea to aggravated possession of drugs, a fifth degree felony. He was released on a surety bond and a pre-trial conference was scheduled for 8:30 a.m. September 9.

Brandon Ganger, 26, of Middle Point, pleaded not guilty to trespass in a habitation when a person is present or likely to be present, a fourth degree felony. He was released on a surety bond and was ordered to have no contact with the victim. A pre-trial conference was scheduled for 8:30 a.m. September 9.

Xavier Middendorf, 18, of Versailles, pleaded not guilty to receiving stolen property, a fourth degree felony. He was released on a surety bond, and was told to have no contact with the victim. A pre-trial conference was  set 8:30 a.m. September 9.

Jeramiah Harris, 23, of Van Wert, entered a not guilty plea to grand theft of a motor vehicle, a fourth degree felony. He was released on a surety bond and was ordered to have no contact with the victim. A pre-trial conference was scheduled for 8 a.m. September 9.

Nathan Youngpeter, 36, of Delphos, pleaded not guilty to possession of a fentanyl related compound, a fifth degree felony. He was released on a surety bond and a pre-trial conference was set for 8:30 a.m. September 9.

Probation violation

Michael Whisman, 35, of Van Wert, admitted to violating his probation by driving while under suspension. Judge Burchfield revoked his bond and set new bond at $500,000 cash or surety. A further dispositional hearing was set for 10:30 a.m. Thursday, August 20.