First-time offenders placed in probation program

A total of 13 first-time offenders in pending criminal cases were placed in Carbon County's Accelerated Rehabilitation Disposition (ARD) probation program recently.

If a person successfully completes all conditions of the program their record is wiped clean. However, if the person fails to complete the program the Commonwealth reserves the right to prosecute them on all pending charges. A person does not admit guilt in entering the program.

Those placed included:

Michael Currey, 21, of Lansford, was placed for a year on a charge of possession of drug paraphernalia. He was arrested on April 2 by Lansford police with a digital electronic scale.

He was also ordered to pay $350 and costs and get a drug and alcohol (D&A) evaluation and follow any recommendation for treatment.

Michele Franklin, 19, of Drums, Luzerne County, was placed for a year on a charge of receiving stolen property. He was arrested on April 9 by Jim Thorpe police for an incident involving Michael Calhoun as the victim.

She was ordered to pay $350 and costs, make restitution in an amount to be determined and render three hours of community service per month while in the program.

Jerome Michael Frets, was placed for a year on a charge of persistent disorderly conduct. He was arrested on June 27 by Nesquehoning for an incident at Mermon and Railroad streets.

He was also ordered to pay $350 and costs, make restitution in an amount to be determined and get a D&A evaluation.

Beth Ann Mantz, 27, of Summit Hill, was placed for a year on a charge of driving under the influence (DUI). She was arrested on Jan. 3 along Mill Road in Mahoning Township. Given a test, the result was .22BAC.

She was ordered to pay $450 and costs, get a D&A evaluation, license suspended for 60 days and the render three hours of community service per month while in the program.

Rose Shiffert, 51, of Lehighton, was placed for a year on a charge of sale of a controlled substance hydrocodone. She was arrested on Oct. 9, 2008, by Lehighton police.

She was ordered to pay $500 and costs and get a D&A evaluation.

James Rhoades Stiely, 55, of Lansford, was placed for a year on a charge of simple assault. He was arrested on July 21 by Lansford police for an incident involving Wayne Whitehead as the victim.

He was ordered to pay $350 and costs, have no contact with the victim and render 15 hours of community service.

Scott Valentine, 37, of New Ringgold, was placed for a year on a charge of DUI. He was arrested on April 24 along Leisenring St., in Lansford. Given a test, the result was .13BAC.

He was ordered to pay $400 and costs, get a D&A evaluation and his license suspended for 30 days.

Amber Lea Hornick, 21, of Weatherly, was placed for a year on a DUI charge. She was arrested on March 24 along Lehigh Gorge Drive in Lehigh Township, by state police. Given a test, the result was .18BAC.

She was ordered to pay $450 and costs, get a D&A evaluation, and license suspended for 60 days.

Lauren Elizabeth Hughes, 22, of Mahanoy City, was placed for a year on a DUI charge. She was arrested on May 3 along Main St., in Weatherly. Given a test, the result was .19BAC.

She was also ordered to pay $450 and costs, get a D&A evaluation, license suspended for 60 days and render three hours of community service per month while in the program.

Aneudt Martinez-Castillo, 22, of Allentown, was placed for a year on a charge of DUI. Castillo was arrested on June 7 along Pohopoco Drive at Beltzville State Park. Given a test, the result was .14BAC.

Castillo was ordered to pay $400 and costs, get a D&A evaluation, license suspended 30 days and to render three hours of community service per month while in the program.

Kenneth David Staber, 47, of Tresckow, was placed for a year on a DUI charge. He was arrested on Jan. 5 along Oak St., in Tresckow, by state police. Given a test, the result was .20BAC.

He was ordered to pay $450 and costs, get a D&A evaluation and license suspended for 60 days.

Leonard Twaskas, 32, of Palmerton, was placed for a year on a charge of false identification to law enforcement officers. He was arrested on June 1 along Mauch Chunk Rd., in Palmerton.

He was ordered to pay $500 and costs and render 15 hours of community service.

Eric Michael Williams, 19, of Kunkletown R.2, was placed for a year on a charge of receiving stolen property. He was arrested on June 31 by state police for an incident involving Wilbert Hoffman as the victim and occurring in Towamensing Township.

He was ordered to pay $500 and costs, make restitution in an amount to be determined and render 15 hours of community service.

Each person placed must also pay a $50 per month supervision fee while in the program.