Local man pleads guilty to rape charge

CINDY WOOD/Van Wert independent

Just a day before his trial was set to begin, Jeremy R. Neeley of Van Wert, 24, entered a plea to a charge of rape in Van Wert County Common Pleas Court Thursday morning.

Neeley was previously charged with the crime after an investigation into an incident involving a 7-year-old girl in March of this year.

Originally, Neeley was charged with rape with a specification that would have yielded a prison sentence of 15 years to life in prison. His plea Thursday to the charge of rape without the specification resulted in an 8-year prison sentence from Judge Charles Steele.

Upon his release from prison, Neeley will be classified as a Tier III sex offender, and will be forced to register with the sheriff’s office every 90 days for the rest of his life. The defendant was given credit for 173 days served in jail awaiting his case.

As the Drug Enforcement Agency prepares its nationwide case against selling or possessing “bath salts,” the highly-addictive drug has again found its way into the local news. Stacy Young, 34, of Van Wert, admitted Thursday to violating her community control terms by using bath salts.

The drugs, which are known to cause agitation, paranoia, hallucinations, chest pain and suicidality, have prompted the DEA to invoke its emergency scheduling authority to control the three synthetic stimulants, mephedrone, MDPV and methylone, found in bath salts. Marketed under names such as “Ivory Wave,” “Purple Wave,” “Vanilla Sky,” and “Bliss,” the DEA has plans to make possessing and selling these chemicals illegal in the United States. This ban will remain in effect for a year, during which time the government is expected to call for permanent control of the drugs.

During court proceedings Thursday, Young admitted to an addiction problem, and was ordered by Judge Steele to spend up to six months at the WORTH Center in Lima.

In May of 2010, a Decatur, Ind. man allegedly burglarized four homes in southern Van Wert County, which netted him four two-year prison sentences in court yesterday. The sentences will be served concurrently. Isaac J. Gase, 29, along with Crystal Stauffer of Indiana broke into the homes and took items they allegedly sold for drug money. Stauffer had previously been sentenced to two years for her role in the crimes. Gase received similar charges in Mercer County, as well as charges in Wells County, Indiana.

In other court news, Brandon S. Hershey, 23, of Van Wert, was placed on three years of community control for possession of drugs. He will spend six months in jail and was given credit for 61 days already served. Hershey will spend an additional 30 days in jail and is responsible for all costs associated with the case. He received an additional prison term of nine months, which will be deferred pending the successful completion of community control.

Alisha L. Elder, 32, of Van Wert, received a 12-month prison sentence on a charge of theft from an elderly person, a 5th-degree felony. Elder reportedly stole approximately $1,800 from her grandmother via personal checks. Steele noted that Elder had an extensive criminal record and ordered her to make restitution to her grandmother after release from prison.

Eddy P. Blossom, 25, of Willshire, will be on community control for three years after a charge of driving while under the influence, a 4th-degree felony. Blossom reportedly has previous convictions for DUI. Her driver’s license will be suspended for five years and she received a fine of $1,350. She was also ordered to spend up to six months at the WORTH Center. Steele gave Blossom an additional nine-month prison sentence, which will be deferred pending successful completion of community control.

Steven G. Ramsey, 25, of Butler, Penn., was placed on three years of community control after four counts of forgery for allegedly passing fake $20 dollar bills at Old Fashioned Farmers Days in July. Ramsey will spend six months in jail, with credit of 83 days already served. He was also given a 12-month prison sentence on each count to be served concurrently. The imposition of the prison sentence will be deferred pending successful community control.

Amanda Buzard, 26, of Scott, pleaded guilty to possession of heroin, and was granted intervention in lieu of conviction. She will be involved in a treatment program for up to one year.

Robert J. Olszewski, 43, of Van Wert, pled guilty to endangering children and cultivating marijuana. A presentence investigation was ordered.

Dustin Garrett, 27, of Van Wert, pleaded guilty to possession of heroin and was granted intervention in lieu of conviction. Garrett will be involved in treatment for up to one year.

Garrett Dienstberger, 26, of Delphos, pleaded guilty to burglary. A presentence investigation was ordered and sentencing will be held Nov. 2.

Kelly G. Matthieu, 45, of Kenton, pleaded not guilty to driving while under the influence of alcohol. She was released on a $5,000 surety bond with a pretrial yet to be scheduled.