6 appear for hearings in County CP Court

DAVE MOSIER/independent editor

Six people appeared for hearings Wednesday in Van Wert County Common Pleas Court.

Three people entered changes of plea on Wednesday, including two who were granted treatment in lieu of conviction.

Jessica Leppard, 27, of Van Wert, changed her plea to guilty to one count each of possession of cocaine and possession of heroin, both fifth-degree felonies, and attempted having a weapon under disability, a felony of the fourth degree (downgraded by having a weapon under disability, a third-degree felony).

She then requested, and was granted, treatment in lieu of conviction and her case was stayed until successful completion of a substance abuse treatment program.

Zachary Schaeffer, 19, of Delphos, pleaded guilty to a prosecutor’s bill of information charging him with voyeurism, a felony of the fifth degree. He also changed his plea to guilty to an amended charge of attempted burglary, a fourth-degree felony (reduced from burglary, a felony of the third degree).

He then requested, and was granted, treatment in lieu of conviction, and his case was ordered stayed until successful completion of a treatment program.

Zachariah Germann, 28, of Van Wert, changed his plea to guilty to a charge of trafficking in heroin, a felony of the fifth degree. Judge Martin Burchfield ordered a presentence investigation and scheduled sentencing for 9 a.m. Wednesday, April 27.

Brandon Barnes, 34, of Van Wert, admitted to violating his probation by failing a drug test, failing to report to probation, not completing community service, and not completing all programs and follow-up at the Western Ohio Regional Treatment and Habilitation (WORTH) Center in Lima. He was sentenced to serve 92 days in jail, with work release.

Two probation violation cases were also heard by Van Wert County Probate-Juvenile Court Judge Kevin Taylor.

Jesse Blackburn, 24, of Delphos, admitted to violating his probation by failing to report his address and by failing to report to probation. He was sentenced to 12 months in prison, with credit for 213 days already served.

Joshua Minyoung, 32, of Van Wert, admitted to violating his probation by being in possession of drugs, failing to report to probation, and failing to complete counseling. He was also given a 12-month prison sentence, with credit for 187 days already served.