Robbery suspect pleads to new charge

DAVE MOSIER/independent editor

A total of 12 people appeared in Van Wert County Common Pleas Court on Wednesday, with eight of those arraigned on grand jury indictments.

Those arraigned include Rambler’s Roost robbery suspect James Reynolds, 35, of Continental, who appeared on a charge of vandalism, a felony of the fourth degree, that stems from his cutting off his electronically monitored house arrest ankle monitor in late December 2014 in an attempt to leave the area.

Reynolds was scheduled for sentencing in the Rambler’s Roost robbery case on December 29, 2014, but requested at that time that he be allowed to withdraw his guilty plea to charges related to the robbery, which occurred December 13, 2013.

A hearing was then set for January 9 to hear his request, but he attempted to leave the area before that hearing was held.

Judge Kevin Taylor, who is hearing cases following the retirement of Judge Charles D. Steele, ordered Reynolds held on a $10,000 bond, 10 percent of which is to be paid in cash. All of those arraigned Wednesday will appear for pretrial conferences on Wednesday, January 28.

Also arraigned were the following:

Moses Wilder, 31, of Van Wert, entered not guilty pleas to one count each of domestic violence, a felony of the third degree, and rape, a first-degree felony. He was ordered held on a $100,000 bond, with 10 percent of that amount to be paid in cash.

Quinton Schmenk, 32, of Van Wert, pleaded not guilty to a charge of domestic violence, a fourth-degree felony. He was released on a personal surety bond, with the additional stipulation that he have no contact with the alleged victim in the case.

Napoleon Shurelds Jr., 30, of Van Wert, entered not guilty pleas to one count each of trafficking in a counterfeit controlled substance, a fourth-degree felony; and fifth-degree felony counts of possession of marijuana, possession of heroin and possession of cocaine. He was released on a personal surety bond.

David Boff Jr., 22, of Van Wert, pleaded not guilty to one count each of illegal use of a minor in nudity oriented performance and pandering sexually oriented material concerning a minor, both felonies of the fourth degree. He was released on a personal surety bond.

Jerad Smith, 26, of Van Wert, entered not guilty pleas to two counts of theft, each a felony of the fifth degree. He was released on a surety bond.

Antin Bartley, 20, of Van Wert, pleaded not guilty to one count each of aggravated trafficking in drugs, a fourth-degree felony, and aggravated possession of drugs, a felony of the third degree. He was released on a surety bond.

Ernie Teman, 40, of Delphos, entered not guilty pleas to three counts of theft, all fifth-degree felony offenses. He was released on a surety bond.

Also appearing in court on Wednesday was Kaitlin Russell, 19, of Delphos, was sentenced on a charge of possession of drugs, a felony of the fifth degree. She was given three years of community control, including a 90-day jail sentence to be served immediately, and 60 additional days in jail, to be served at the discretion of the Van Wert County Adult Probation Department. She must also obtain her General Educational Development (GED) certificate. Judge Taylor had wanted to sentence Russell to the Western Ohio Regional Treatment and Habilitation (WORTH) Center in Lima, but could not do so because Russell said she just found out she was pregnant. The WORTH Center will not accept pregnant women.

Two people also appeared on probation violations.

Dezmond Bywaters, 23, of Van Wert, admitted violating his community control by failing to report to his probation officer. He was resentenced to three years of community control, plus an additional 30 days jail time at a later date.

Rhonda Risley, 45, of Convoy, also admitted violating her community control by refusing to go to the WORTH Center. She was resentenced to three years of community control, including 90 days in jail now and 30 days in jail at a later date. Judge Taylor also gave her credit for 30 days already served towards the 90-day jail sentence.