Three placed in probation program

Three first time offenders in the criminal justice system were placed in Carbon County's Accelerated Rehabilitation Disposition (ARD) probation program on Tuesday by Judge Steven R. Serfass.

If the three successfully complete the program their record will be wiped clean. However, if they fail the can be brought back to court and face trial on all charges filed against them. The three did not admit guilt in entering the program.

Those placed included:

Denise Gresko, 43, of Lansford, was placed for six months on a charge of obstructing the administration of law. She was cited on Dec. 3, 2009, at her residence in the Lansford Townhouses. Summit Hill police came to the home to serve a warrant on a David Lamb. Gresko said he was not in the house but when police entered they found him in an upstairs room.

She was ordered to pay $350 for the program and render 15 hours of community service.

Trevor Johnston, 51, of New York City, N.Y., was placed for a year on a charge of driving under the influence (DUI). He was arrested on Dec. 18, 2009, along Interstate 80 in Kidder Township when state police stopped him for speeding, 90 miles-per-hour in a 65 zone. A test revealed the presence of a controlled substance in his system.

Serfass ordered he pay $450 for the program, get a D&A evaluation and his license was suspended for 60 days.

Daniel Shawn Roper, 36, of Scranton, was placed for a year on a charge of DUI. He was arrested on Sept. 1, 2009, along the turnpike in Kidder Township, after being stopped for speeding, 75 in a 55 zone. He refused a blood test and will lose his license for a year for the refusal.

Serfass ordered he pay $450 for the program, get a D&A evaluation, and his license was suspended for 60 days additional.

Each defendant must also pay court costs and a $50 per month supervision fee while in the program.