Several appear for CP Court hearings

DAVE MOSIER/independent editor

Two arraignments, a sentencing and several changes of plea were heard on Wednesday in Van Wert County Common Pleas Court.

Judge Martin Burchfield heard one arraignment hearing, during which Christie Kerner, 38, of Van Wert, pleaded not guilty to a charge of forgery, a felony of the fifth degree. She was released on a personal surety bond and a pretrial conference was scheduled for 8 a.m. Wednesday, April 8.

The arraignment, heard by Probate-Juvenile Court Judge Kevin Taylor, was for Robbin Higginbotham, 51, of Van Wert, who also entered a not guilty plea to one count each of aggravated possession of drugs and possession of drugs, both fifth-degree felonies. He was also released on a surety bond and a pretrial conference was set for 8 a.m. April 8.

Judge Burchfield also heard a change of plea from Ashley Burk, 26, of Van Wert, who pleaded guilty to a charge of aggravated possession of drugs, a fifth-degree felony offense.  A presentence investigation was ordered and sentencing was scheduled for 9 a.m. Wednesday, April 15. Burk was returned to prison in the meantime to continue serving an unrelated sentence.

Judge Taylor heard six additional cases on Wednesday. They include the following:

Moses Wilder, 32, of Van Wert, signed a waiver of his right to a speedy trial and the case was rescheduled for May 11.

Brandon Foust, 20, of Delphos, pleaded guilty to a prosecutor’s bill of information charging him with two counts of possession of marijuana, both felonies of the fifth degree. He then requested, and was granted, treatment in lieu of conviction and his case was stayed pending completion of a substance abuse treatment program.

Bobby Fuelling, 42, of Van Wert, changed his plea to guilty to a charge of possession of heroin, a fifth-degree felony. He then requested, and was granted, treatment in lieu of conviction and his case was stayed pending completion of a substance abuse treatment program.

Matthew Foehl, 29, of Van Wert, changed his plea to guilty to a heroin possession charge, a felony of the fourth degree. A presentence investigation was scheduled and he will appear for sentencing at 9 a.m. Wednesday, April 29.

Foehl also admitted to violating his probation by violating a law, being in possession of drugs and failing to complete counseling. He will also be sentenced on that charge on April 29.

Kyle Heiser, 23, of Celina, was given three years of community control, with up to six months in the Western Ohio Regional Treatment and Habilitation (WORTH) Center in Lima. He was also ordered to pay restitution of $2,000 to Ohio City Auto.

Antin Bartley, 20, of Van Wert, appeared for sentencing on Wednesday, but the case was continued at the request of his attorney until 9 a.m. Wednesday, April 1.