Van Wert Common Pleas-October 30

December 18th, 2007 was sentenced to serve a six year prison term.

Eric Michael Zinsmaster, 31, who lists his legal address as 015 Ashton Road, Sapulpa, Oklahoma appeared before Judge Charles Steele on Wednesday morning to be sentenced to a six year prison term on a charge Robbery a second degree felony.

According to a Van Wert County Sheriff's Department investigation Zinsmaster along with a Rick Fisher of Decatur, Indiana and a Elizabeth Wyatt formerly of Marion, Ohio had went to eighty-two year old Ronald Patton's home in Wren, Ohio.

Wyatt approached the home and asked Patton if she could use his telephone, as Patton opened the door to permit her to come in Zinsmaster and Fisher barged in.

Patton was repeatedly beaten by Zinsmaster while his home was ransacked at which time cash and collectibles were taken.

Zinsmaster fled the State and was later apprehended in Oklahoma being extradited back to Ohio. Elizabeth Wyatt and Rick Fisher both entered guilty pleas to their part in the home invasion and both received four year prison terms. Wyatt and Fisher had agreed to testify against Zinsmaster if his case had went to a jury trial.

Zachary S. Craig, 29, 206 Woodstock, Van Wert, Ohio was handed a fifteen month prison term on a charge of Burglary a felony of the fourth degree.

A Van Wert City Police Department investigation alleges that Craig forced his way into his father's home on June 2nd, 2007 at which time Craig assaulted his father.

Craig had originally been charged not only with the Burglary charge but also felony Domestic Violence with the Domestic Violence charge being dropped in a plea negotiation.

Before sentencing Craig, Judge Steele noted that Craig had been charged with numerous domestic related crimes along with other criminal offenses starting in 1994. Judge Steele found that Craig was not amenable to community control and gave him the fifteen month prison term.

Rhonda K. Risley, 39, Van Wert, Ohio was placed on three years of community control and ordered to spend up to six months at the WORTH Center in Lima, Ohio on a charge of Theft From An Elderly Person.

A Van Wert City Police Department investigation revealed that Risley had approached and elderly persons home in June of 2008 at which time she was asking for help. The elderly person left Risley in at which time Risley used the restroom made a phone call and after leaving the victim found cash missing from her purse.

While on community control Risley will have to spend 30 days in the Van Wert County Jail, perform 200 hours of community service, if she becomes gainfully employed that can be reduced to 100 hours of community service, make restitution, pay court costs, undergo a substance abuse assessment and complete any rehabilitation program recommended.

A basic prison term of eight months with imposition deferred pending the successful completion of the community control program.

Justin W. McClain, 34, Van Wert, Ohio was arraigned on a charge of Domestic Violence a misdemeanor of the first degree, McClain entered a guilty plea to the charge and was immediately sentenced to a 180 days jail with credit for time served while he was in jail in Indiana awaiting a final disposition of this case.

CHANGE OF PLEA HEARINGS

Richard Dodge, 46, Venedocia, Ohio entered a guilty plea to a charge of Aggravated Assault a felony of the fourth degree. A presentence investigation was ordered with sentencing scheduled for December 10th, 2008 at 9:00 a.m.

Tara Ann Parks, 22, Van Wert, entered a plea of guilty to a charge of Theft a misdemeanor of the first degree. A presentence investigation was ordered with sentencing scheduled for November 12, 2008 at 9:00 a.m..

Joe Bill Quevedo, Van Wert, Ohio entered a guilty plea to Non-Support of Dependents and was placed in the Diversion Program. If Quevedo successfully completes the Diversion Program the charges will be dismissed with no criminal record.

Rebecca Sturwood, Van Wert, Ohio, violation of her Treatment in Lieu of conviction Program admitted to the use of marijuana. Judge Steele ordered a presentence investigation and scheduled sentencing for December 10th, 2008 at 9:00 a.m.

Chanel M. Crouse, Van Wert, Ohio, violation of her Treatment in Lieu of Conviction. According the Van Wert County Adult Probation Department Crouse allegedly violated by being arrested on a charge of Theft. Judge Steele revoked her bond and ordered that she be held on a $2500 cash bond along with a $5,000 unsecured personal surety bond.