(5-9-24) Van Wert County Common Pleas Court Judge Martin Burchfield was on the bench for the following hearings earlier this week. Several area residents had hearings.

Patrick and Burker

Lachrica Patrick (49) of Rockford, aggravated possession of drugs, a fifth degree felony, and possession of cocaine, a fifth degree felony. She was  released on a surety bond and a pre-trial conference was set for 8 a.m. Wednesday, May 22.

Jeffrey Welker (57) of Ohio City, OVI, an unclassified misdemeanor, and improperly handling firearms in a motor vehicle, a fifth degree felony.He was  released on a surety bond and a pre-trial conference was set for 8:30 a.m. Wednesday, May 29.

Change of plea — Ecco Burker (39) of Coldwater, changed her plea to guilty of possession of a fentanyl-related compound, a fifth degree felony, and tampering with evidence, a third degree felony. Judge Burchfield ordered a pre-sentence investigation and set sentencing for 9 a.m. June 26.

Judicial release – Dan Swoveland (70) of Ohio City, appeared on his motion for judicial release from prison. Following the hearing, his motion was granted and he was released from prison and placed on three years of community control, up to 6 months at the WORTH Center, 30 days in jail at later date, 52 hours of community service and was ordered to pay court costs.