TO:  LOCAL NEWS MEDIA  

FROM:  VAN WERT COUNTY COMMON PLEAS COURT 

DATE:   Wednesday, March 05, 2008 

Re:  Criminal Hearings

SENTENCING HEARING

Steven J. Diltz, 23, Delphos, Ohio was sentenced to three years of community control on a charge of Possession of Drugs a fifth degree felony.

According to a Van Wert City Police Department investigation Diltz was arrested on the drug possession charge after a traffic stop that took place in September of 2007.  A drug test revealed that Diltz had consumed morphine and had admitted to using prior to his arrest in September.

While on community control Diltz will be required to serve 30 days in the Van Wert County Jail immediately, will have to serve an additional 30 days at a time to be determined by his supervision officer, perform 200 hours of community service which can be reduced to 100 hours if gainfully employed.  He must undergo a substance abuse assessment and complete any rehabilitation program recommended.  Diltz was required to pay court costs, affidavit of indigency fee, and $250 as partial reimbursement for his court appointed counsel.  

A basic prison term of twelve months was handed him with imposition of the prison term deferred pending the successful completion of the community control program.

 CHANGE OF PLEA HEARING

Joshua Cooper, 26, Van Wert, Ohio entered a guilty plea to a charge of Possession of Cocaine a felony of the fifth degree.  Judge Steele ordered a presentence investigation and scheduled sentencing for April 23, 2008 at 9:00 a.m..

 COMMUNITY CONTROL VIOLATION HEARING

Jason Lamb, 26, Van Wert, Ohio admitted to violating his community control by testing positive for the use of Oxycontin. 

Judge Steel continued the sentencing portion of the hearing and ordered that Lamb be evaluated for possible commitment to the WORTH Center.   Bond was set at $2500 cash along with a $5,000 personal surety bond.   Sentencing will be scheduled at a later date.   

TREATMENT IN LIEU VIOLATION

April Diltz, Van Wert, Ohio appeared on a violation of her treatment in lieu program for testing positive for the use of drugs during her treatment program. 

Judge Steele continued the hearing until a detailed report from St. Rita’s Medical Center could be received concerning the treatment program that she is presently involved in.