Area man gets prison on drug count

DAVE MOSIER/independent editor

A Delphos man was sent to prison during hearings held in Van Wert County Common Pleas Court on Tuesday.

Phillip Cross, 23, was sentenced to 12 months in prison on a charge of drug trafficking, a felony of the fifth degree. Cross was given 32 days credit for time spent in jail while awaiting sentencing.

Four people also changed their pleas during hearings held Tuesday.

Jeffrey Garwood, 49, of Van Wert, pleaded guilty to two counts of trafficking in drugs, both fourth-degree felonies. A third-degree felony count of drug trafficking was dismissed by the Van Wert County Prosecutor’s Office in exchange for Garwood’s guilty plea to the other two charges. A presentence investigation was ordered and sentencing scheduled for 9 a.m. Wednesday, August 1.

Corey Robinson, 33, of Van Wert, changed his plea to an amended charge of attempted having weapons while under a disability, a fourth-degree felony. A presentence investigation was ordered by Judge Charles D. Steele and sentencing set for 9 a.m. August 1.

Tina Means, 44, of Cincinnati, changed her plea to guilty to an amended charge of attempted forgery, a misdemeanor of the first degree. She will also be sentenced at 9 a.m. August 1.

Steven Parsons Jr., 33, of Van Wert, changed his plea to guilty to one count each of theft and forgery, both fifth-degree felony offenses. Both counts also include a specification that he used a Jeep Cherokee in commission of the offenses. Sentencing was scheduled for 9 a.m. August 1.

Christopher Longstreth, 37, of Paulding, appeared on a prosecutor’s bill of information charging him with possession of drugs, a fifth-degree felony. Longstreth entered a plea of guilty to the charge and requested he be granted treatment in lieu of conviction. Judge Steele granted the request.

Christopher N. Blue, 29, of Van Wert, also appeared on a prosecutor’s bill of information charging him with possession of drugs. He also pleaded guilty and requested he be allowed to seek treatment in lieu of conviction, which was granted.

Keri Hines, 29, of Delphos, changed her plea to guilty to two counts of trafficking in drugs, both felonies of the fifth degree. She also requested treatment in lieu of conviction, and that request was granted by Judge Steele.

Also Tuesday, Kyle Caldwell, 32, of Van Wert, admitted to a probation violation for consuming alcohol while on electronically monitored house arrest. He was resentenced to three years of community control, with the additional condition that he spend 90 days in jail, with work release.

Stephanie L. Farmer, 31, of Van Wert, also appeared on a probation violation charge. She admitted being terminated from the Western Ohio Regional Treatment and Habilitation (WORTH) Center in Lima, but had completed the treatment program there before her termination. Judge Steele resentenced her to three years of community control, and added a stipulation she spend 60 days on electronically monitored house arrest. She must also undergo a substance abuse assessment and complete any programs recommended.

John McGinnis, 30, of Convoy, denied violating the terms of his work release from jail. A hearing was set on the matter for 8:30 a.m. June 25.

Sam Whisman appeared for a bond violation for failing to appear at a pretrial conference. He was ordered released on electronically monitored house arrest and his pretrial will be rescheduled.