Carbon County court — ARD

Eight defendants in pending criminal cases were placed in Carbon County’s Accelerated Rehabilitation Disposition probation program on Monday by Judge Steven R. Serfass.

If a person successfully completes all conditions of the program, their record is wiped clean. However, if they fail to complete the program, or are revoked from it, they would face trial on all pending charges. A person does not admit guilt in entering the program.

All were placed for a year, unless otherwise noted.

Nicole Marie Cress, 41, of Palmerton, was placed on a driving under the influence charge. She was arrested on April 6, 2018, by Lehighton police along South Second Street. A test revealed a 0.22 BAC.

She was assessed $650 for the cost of the program and ordered to render 50 hours of community service, and her license was suspended for 60 days.

Joshua Eichler, 43, of Lehighton, was placed on a charge of DUI. He was arrested on Nov. 26, 2016, along East Alley in Lehighton by state police at Lehighton. A test revealed the presence of a controlled substance.

He was assessed $650 and ordered to render 50 hours of community service and his license was suspended for 60 days.

Brandon Frey, 19, of Lehighton, was placed on a charge of possession of a controlled substance. He was arrested on Dec. 7, 2018, by Summit Hill police along Laurel Drive at White Bear Drive. Police indicate crystal methamphetamine was found.

He was assessed $450 and ordered to get a drug and alcohol evaluation and follow any recommendation for treatment and render 50 hours of community service.

Brandi Nicole Hoffman, 23, of Lansford, was placed on a charge of insurance fraud. She was arrested by the Northeast Pennsylvania Insurance Fraud Task Force for making a false claim for benefits stemming from a house fire.

She was assessed $450 and ordered to render 50 hours of community service and make restitution to the task force for $500.

Barbara Lynn Lenches, 29, of Jim Thorpe, was placed for two years on a charge of fraud by obtaining food stamps/public assistance when not entitled. She was charged by the office of the state inspector.

She was assessed $650 and ordered to render 100 hours of community service and make restitution to the state for $3,451.

Alexa R. Maynard, 24, of Easton, was placed on a DUI charge. She was arrested on Sept. 24, 2016, along First Street by Lehighton police. A test showed the presence of a controlled substance.

She was assessed $650 and ordered to render 50 hours of community service and her license was suspended for 60 days.

Heather Willard, 33, of Tamaqua, was placed on a charge of possession of a controlled substance. She was arrested on Sept. 27, 2018, by Nesquehoning police along West Catawissa Street.

She was assessed $450 and ordered to get a drug and alcohol evaluation and render 50 hours of community service.

Tabatha Lynn Young, 31, of Weatherly, was placed on a charge of retail theft. She was arrested on Oct. 14, 2016, by Mahoning Township police at the Walmart store.

She was assessed $450 and ordered to render 50 hours of community service and stay out of the store.

Each defendant must also pay court costs of about $1,000 and a $50 per month supervision fee while in the program.