Arraignments Sentencing Held in Common Pleas Court

What Happened

Seven defendants were arraigned on criminal charges in Van Wert County Common Pleas Court on Tuesday, with one person sentenced to three years of community control and 30 days in jail. Judge Martin D. Burchfield presided over the hearings. Phillip Cross, 38, of Delphos, entered a not guilty plea to first-degree cocaine possession and trafficking. David Willke, 37, of New Castle, Indiana, entered a not guilty plea to receiving stolen property, with a $100,000 bond set. Tyler Barbaree, 35, of Van Wert, pleaded not guilty to criminal damaging or endangering and obstructing official business, with a $250,000 bond. Colby Black, 42, of Van Wert, pleaded not guilty to aggravated drug possession, a fifth-degree felony. Frank Alexander, Jr., 33, of Van Wert, entered not guilty pleas to grand theft of a motor vehicle and aggravated robbery. Jeramiah Harris, 24, of Van Wert, pleaded not guilty to similar charges. Malcolm Oliver, 30, of Delphos, entered a not guilty plea to violating a protection order. All defendants were released on surety bonds with pre-trial conferences scheduled for December 9 or November 17. Karen Hemker, 58, of Delphos, was sentenced to three years of community control and 30 days in jail for theft from a protected person.

Why it matters

The arraignments and sentencing affect seven defendants facing drug trafficking, theft, and protection order violations, with bond amounts ranging from $25,000 to $250,000. Karen Hemker’s sentence includes community control, jail time, and mandatory substance abuse assessments. Pre-trial conferences are set for December 9, with one defendant’s hearing scheduled for November 17. These proceedings could lead to convictions, potential jail time, or further legal consequences depending on the outcomes of the cases.

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