9 arraigned in Common Pleas Court

DAVE MOSIER/independent editor

A Wren man entered not guilty pleas to an eight-count indictment during arraignment hearings held Monday in Van Wert County  Common Pleas Court.

Joshua Cole, 24, pleaded not guilty to two counts each of tampering with evidence, both third-degree felonies, and receiving stolen property, each a felony of the fourth degree. He also entered not guilty pleas to one count  of receiving stolen property, a first-degree misdemeanor; two counts of burglary, each a felony of the third degree; and one count of having a weapon while under disability, a fourth-degree felony.

A $2,500 bond, with 10 percent to be paid in cash, was set by Judge Charles D. Steele, and a pretrial conference scheduled for 8 a.m. Wednesday, October 2.

Others arraigned on Monday include the following:

• Kelli L. Pontius, 26, of Van Wert, pleaded not guilty to illegal assembly or possession of chemicals for the manufacture of drugs, a felony of the third degree, and illegal manufacture of drugs, a felony of the second degree. The charges stem from a methamphetamine lab in the county. She was released on a personal surety bond and a pretrial conference set for 8 a.m. October 2.
• Claude Powell Jr., 50, of Van Wert, entered a not guilty plea to a charge of domestic violence, a felony of the fourth degree. He was released on a personal surety bond, with the added condition that he have no contact with the alleged victim, and will appear for a pretrial conference at 8 a.m. October 2.
• Justin W. Diltz, 59, of Delphos, pleaded not guilty to three counts of trafficking in heroin, each a felony of the fourth degree; three counts of permitting drug abuse, each a fifth-degree felony; and possession of heroin, also a fifth-degree felony offense. He was released on a personal surety bond and a pretrial conference scheduled for 8 a.m. October 2.
• Lyle L. Diltz, 47, of Delphos, entered a plea of not guilty to two counts of trafficking in drugs, both felonies of the fifth degree. He was released on a personal surety bond and will appear for a pretrial conference at 8 a.m. October 2.

• William L. Smith, 36, of Delphos, pleaded not guilty to three counts of trafficking in heroin, each a felony of the fourth degree. He was released on a personal surety bond and a pretrial conference set for 8 a.m. October 2.
• Beth A. McCarthy, 44, of Convoy, entered a plea of not guilty to a charge of forgery, a felony of the fifth degree. She was released on a surety bond and will appear for a pretrial conference at 8 a.m. October 2.
• Lola D. Busch, 65, of Delphos, pleaded not guilty to two counts of trafficking in drugs, each a felony of the third degree; and one count of trafficking in drugs, a felony of the second degree. She was released on a personal surety bond and a pretrial conference was set for 8 a.m. October 2.
• Korey D. Briggs, 28, of Fort Jennings, entered a not guilty plea to a charge of trafficking in drugs, a felony of the fifth degree. He was released on a surety bond and will appear for a pretrial conference at 8 a.m. October 2.