TO: Local News Media

FROM: Van Wert County Common Pleas Court

DATE: November 6, 2007

Re: Van Wert Woman Enters Guilty Pleas To Drug Charges and Sentenced

Alisha Marie Slaght, 26, Van Wert, Ohio entered guilty pleas Tuesday morning to charges of Trafficking in Cocaine and Trafficking in Drugs, she was immediately sentenced by Judge Charles D. Steele.

Slaght had been accused by the Van Wert City Police Department of having sold cocaine to an undercover agent in January of 2007 for which she was indicted by the Grand Jury in August of this year. Slaght while out on bond was again arrested by the Van Wert City Police in September when she was charged with Trafficking in Drugs when she sold or attempted to sell a controlled substance (prescription medication).

Judge Steele sentenced Slaght to two nine month prison sentences with the imposition deferred pending the successful completion of a community control program. Slaght will spend up to six months at the WORTH Center in Lima, Ohio, spend an additional 30 days in the Van Wert County Jail at a time determined by her supervision officer, perform 200 hours of community service, pay court costs, pay $250 as partial reimbursement for her court appointed attorney, and a $25 Affidavit of Indigency Fee. Prior to sentencing Slaght had told Judge Steele that she had a drug dependency problem and needed assistance.