TO:   Local News Media

FROM:   Van Wert County Common Pleas Court

DATE:   Wednesday, November 28, 2007

RE:   Criminal Hearings

CHANGE OF PLEA HEARINGS

Renee S. Watkins, 27, Middle Point, Ohio entered a guilty plea to a charge of Theft a felony of the fifth degree. 

According to a Van Wert City Police Department investigation Watkins allegedly transferred money while employed at a local financial institution into her own personal account.  Watkins was terminated as soon as the financial institution discovered the crime.   The incidents took place over a period of time in February of 2007 through August of 2007.

Watkins has made restitution in the amount of $7,350.50 and has agreed to make restitution for the balance of $2,000.  

Judge Steele ordered a presentence investigation and scheduled sentencing for January 8^th, 2008 at 9:00 a.m..

Joshua P. VanMetre, 21, Van Wert, Ohio entered guilty pleas to one count of Burglary a fourth degree felony and one count of Complicity To Obtain A Dangerous Drug a felony of the fifth degree.  

According to a Van Wert City Police Department both incidents took place in September of this year. 

Judge Steele ordered a presentence investigation and scheduled sentencing for January 8^th, 2008 at 9:00 a.m.

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SENTENCING HEARINGS

Paul Richey, 65, Van Wert, Ohio was placed on one year of probation for a charge of Attempted Improperly Handling Of A Firearm a misdemeanor of the first degree.

Richey had been arrested by the Van Wert City Police Department on May 3^rd, 2007 during a traffic stop.  Richey, who is a licensed to carry a concealed weapon allegedly did not have his weapon properly holstered at the time of the traffic stop.

Judge Steele also imposed a six month jail sentence but deferred the imposition of the jail sentence pending the successful completion of the year probation program.

Amanda J. Trejo, 24, Van Wert, Ohio was placed on three years of community control on a charge of Theft a felony of the fifth degree.

According to a Van Wert City Police Department investigation Trejo allegedly was attempting to open a checking account at a local bank but was denied the account.  Sometime during the process if making application Trejo allegedly took a book of blank checks.

Trejo will spend up to six months at the WORTH Center in Lima, spend 30 days in the Van Wert County Jail, have two years of intensive supervision, perform 200 hours of community service, make partial reimbursement of $250 for her court appointed attorney and pay court costs.

Judge Steele also gave her an eleven month prison sentence but deferred the imposition of the prison sentence pending the successful completion of the community control program.

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Deidre E. Baer, 19, Van Wert, Ohio was placed on three years of community control on a charge of Aggravated Trafficking In Drugs a felony of the fourth degree.

According to a Van Wert City Police Department investigation Baer and another female sold or offered to sell a confidential informant Psilocybin in December of 2006 during an undercover operation. 

Baer, while on community control will spend 30 days on electronic monitored house arrest, an additional 30 days in the Van Wert County Jail at a time to be determined by her supervision officer, complete a substance abuse assessment and complete any recommended rehabilitation program.  Baer also had her drivers license suspended for a period of six months, my pay court costs and provide a DNA sample to the State of Ohio. 

Judge Steele also gave Baer a basic prison term of eight months with the imposition of the prison sentence deferred pending the successful completion of the community control program.