Man gets prison for probation violation

DAVE MOSIER/independent editor

A Venedocia man who was sent to prison after admitting he violated his probation was one of seven people who appeared for hearings Wednesday in Van Wert County Common Pleas Court.

Randal Michaelson, 26, admitted to violating his probation by being terminated unsuccessfully from the Western Ohio Regional Treatment and Habilitation (WORTH) Center in Lima.

A previously deferred prison term of 12 months was imposed in the case, although Judge Martin Burchfield gave Michaelson credit for 66 days already served.

County Probate-Juvenile Judge Kevin Taylor imposed a 180-day jail sentenced on Quinton Schmenk, 33, of Van Wert, after he admitted to violating his probation by failing to report to probation and to provide an address and telephone number. He received credit for 74 days already served.

Three people changed their pleas during hearings held in Common Pleas Court.

Ronald McNeal, 31, of Van Wert, pleaded guilty to a charge of failure to register as a sex offender, a felony of the third degree. A presentence investigation was ordered and sentencing scheduled for 9 a.m. Wednesday, September 23.

Jose Sanchez, 36, of Van Wert, changed his plea to guilty to an amended charge of domestic violence, a felony of the fourth degree (reduced from a third-degree felony). A presentence investigation was ordered and sentencing set for 9 a.m. September 23.

Tristan Boaz, 23, of Van Wert, changed her plea to guilty to a charge of possession of heroin, a felony of the fifth degree. Judge Burchfield ordered a presentence investigation and Boaz will appear for sentencing for 9 a.m. Wednesday, September 16.

Jordan Vickery, 32, of Middle Point, admitted to violating his personal surety bond by failing a drug test. His bond was changed to a $10,000 cash bond, and a trial will be scheduled in the near future.

Ashley Burk, 26, of Van Wert, was granted early release from prison on a charge of aggravated possession of drugs, a felony of the fifth degree. She was placed on three years of community control, which includes a drug court evaluation.