Area man pleads to child porn charges

DAVE MOSIER/independent editor

Seven people were arraigned, and three others appeared Wednesday in Van Wert County Common Pleas Court for plea changes and a time waiver.

Nathan Kreischer, 25, of Ohio City, entered not guilty pleas to a nine-count indictment that includes one count each of disseminating matter harmful to juveniles and importuning, both fifth-degree felonies, and seven counts of pandering obscenity involving a minor, each a felony of the fourth degree.

Eric Kangas, 39, of Delphos, entered a not guilty plea to a charge of escape, a felony of the second degree. Judge Martin Burchfield set bond at $500,000 cash or commercial surety and scheduled a pretrial conference for 10:30 a.m. Wednesday, October 5, with a trial planned for 8 a.m. Thursday, October 27.

Jamie Stemen, 47, of Ohio City, pleaded not guilty to one count of burglary, also a second-degree felony offense. A $20,000 cash or commercial surety bond was set in the case and a pretrial conference scheduled for 8 a.m. Wednesday, September 28.

He was released on a personal surety bond, with the condition that he have no access to the Internet. A pretrial hearing was set for 8 a.m. September 28.

Daniel Morgan, 28, of Van Wert, pleaded not guilty to one count of violating a civil protection order, a felony of the fifth degree.

Morgan was released on a personal surety bond on the condition that he have no contact of any type with the alleged victim in the case. He will appear for a pretrial conference at 8 a.m. September 28.

Barbara Baker, 54, of Van Wert, entered a not guilty plea to a charge of aggravated possession of drugs, a felony of the fifth degree. She was released on a surety bond and will appear for a pretrial conference at 10 a.m. September 28.

Ryan Schaadt, 31, of Van Wert, pleaded not guilty to one count each of possession of heroin and possession of cocaine, each a felony of the fifth degree. He was released on a surety bond and a pretrial conference scheduled for 10 a.m. September 28.

Derrick Bennett, 27, of Grover Hill, entered a not guilty plea to a charge of aggravated possession of drugs, a fifth-degree felony. He was released on a surety bond and will appear for a pretrial conference at 10 a.m. September 28.

Two people also appeared in court for plea change hearings.

Joshua Williams, 22, of Van Wert, changed his plea to guilty to a charge of attempted possession of hashish, a felony of the fourth degree (reduced from possession of hashish, a felony of the third degree). Judge Burchfield ordered a presentence investigation and scheduled sentencing for 9 a.m. Wednesday, October 12. His bond was also modified to a personal surety bond, with a curfew from 10 p.m. until 6 a.m.

Melissa Nihiser, 30, of Van Wert, changed her plea to guilty to a charge of theft, a first-degree misdemeanor (reduced from felony theft). A fifth-degree felony count of forgery was also dismissed in exchange for her guilty plea. Sentencing was scheduled for 8 a.m. Thursday, October 20.

Also Wednesday, Jacob Thomas, 24, of Ohio City, waived his right to a speedy trial to allow for further preparation of his case.