CP Court has light day on Wednesday

Van Wert independent staff report

One person was arraigned and three others entered changes of pleas to a variety of charges during hearings held Wednesday in Van Wert County Common Pleas Court.

Jerry Cornwell, 55, of Chillicothe, entered not guilty pleas to four counts of importuning, each a felony of the third degree, and two counts of disseminating matter harmful to juveniles, both fifth-degree felony offenses.

Judge Charles D. Steele set a $50,000 cash bond in the case and a pretrial conference was scheduled for 8 a.m. Wednesday, August 28.

Those entering plea changes include the following:

Walter Stephens, 59, of Vero Beach, Fla., entered a guilty plea to importuning, a felony of the third degree. A second count of importuning was dismissed in exchange for his guilty plea. Judge Steele ordered a presentence investigation and set sentencing for 9 a.m. Wednesday, September 25.

Christopher Lindeman, 25, of Delphos, pleaded guilty to one count of receiving stolen property, a felony of the fifth degree. A presentence investigation was ordered and Lindeman will appear for sentencing at 9 a.m. September 25.

Dezmond Bywaters, 21, of Van Wert, also entered a guilty plea to theft, a fifth-degree felony offense. A presentence investigation was ordered in the case and a sentencing hearing scheduled for 9 a.m. September 25.