Carbon County court — ARD

Three first-time offenders in the criminal justice system were placed in Carbon County’s Accelerated Rehabilitation Disposition probation program on Monday by Judge Joseph J. Matika.

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.

Richard L. Modavis III, 48, of Albrightsville, was placed for a year on a charge of impersonating a public servant. He was arrested on March 25 by state police at Fern Ridge. Troopers received a complaint from an individual that Modavis pulled them over along Route 903 in Penn Forest Township and said he was a police officer, when in fact, he wasn’t.

He was assessed $650 for the cost of the program and ordered to render 50 hours of community service.

Neel K. Patel, 26, of Lehighton, was placed for six months on a charge of cruelty to animals. He was arrested by Beltzville Park Rangers on May 27. Rangers said Patel left a dog in his vehicle with a window “barely open” while the temperatures were hot.

He was assessed $450 and ordered to render 25 hours of community service.

Mason Storm White, 18, of Palmerton, was placed for a year on a charge of possession of a weapon on school property. She was arrested by state police at Lehighton after officials at Palmerton High School in Lower Towamensing Township found her with a pocket knife in the school.

She was assessed $450 and ordered to render 50 hours of community service.

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