8 appear for Common Pleas hearings

Van Wert independent

Several people appeared for hearings in Van Wert County Common Pleas Court on Wednesday.

April Franklin, 32, of Bryan, was given 180 days in jail, with credit for 40 days already served, during sentencing on a charge of trafficking in a counterfeit controlled substance, a felony of the fifth degree.

Her driver’s license was also suspended for six months.

Dale Wright Jr., 21, of Van Wert, was given three years of community control, including up to six months in the Western Ohio Regional Treatment and Habilitation (WORTH) Center in Lima, on a charge of illegal conveyance of a deadly weapon into a school safety zone, a felony of the fifth degree.

One person was also arraigned on Wednesday. Kaitlin Russell, 18, of Delphos, pleaded not guilty to a charge of corrupting another with drugs, a felony of the fourth degree. She was released on a personal surety bond and a pretrial conference was scheduled for 8 a.m. Wednesday, March 12.

A Van Wert man also admitted to violating his treatment in lieu of conviction program.

Ryan Miller, 24, admitted he failed to report to his probation office and also failed to complete a counseling program at Westwood Behavioral Health Center in Van Wert. Judge Charles D. Steele ordered a presentence investigation in the case and scheduled sentencing for 9 a.m. Wednesday, April 16.

Three people also changed their pleas to a variety of offenses during hearings held Wednesday. They include:

• Nicholas Bendele, 31, of Van Wert, changed his plea to guilty to a charge of possession of drugs, a felony of the fifth degree. A presentence investigation was ordered and sentencing set for 9 a.m. April 16.
• Trey Eberle, 29, of Van Wert, pleaded guilty to a reduced charge of possession of drugs, a misdemeanor of the first degree. He was originally charged with felony drug possession. Eberle then requested, and was granted, treatment in lieu of conviction.
• Tyler Kast, 21, of Van Wert, changed his plea to guilty to a charge of vandalism, a felony of the fifth degree. A presentence investigation was ordered and sentencing scheduled for 9 a.m. April 16.

A Van Wert man also appeared in court to waive his right to a speedy trial.

Robert Stoller, 31, signed a waiver giving up his right to a speedy trial and will request a continuance of his jury trial now set for March 31 on charges of child endangering.