Nine first-time offenders placed in probation program

Nine first time offenders were placed in Carbon County's Accelerated Rehabilitation Disposition (ARD) probation program this week.

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

Those placed included:

Alan James Arthofer, 19, of Bowmanstown, was placed for a year on a charge of theft. He was arrested on Nov. 20, 2008, by state police at Lehighton for an incident in Lower Towamensing Township and Kyle Guedes the listed victim.

He was ordered to pay $350 and costs, make restitution of $2,650 and pay at least $80 per month on it, and render three hours of community service per month while in the program.

Patricia M. Bednar, 37, of Nesquehoning, was placed for a year on a charge of identity theft. She was arrested by Nesquehoning police for an incident on May 29, 2008, with Mary Hade the listed victim.

She was ordered to pay $350 and costs, make restitution to the victim in an amount to be determined and render 15 hours of community service.

Bari Collins, 25, of Stroudsburg, was placed for two years on a charge of possession with intent to deliver. She was arrested on April 19 by state police along SR940 at the Pocono interchange of the turnpike with marijuana.

She was ordered to pay $500 and costs and render 75 hours of community service.

Ronald R. Derr, 36, of Jim Thorpe, was placed in the program for two years on a charge of simple assault. He was arrested on July 1 for an incident in which Nicole Derr is the listed victim.

He was ordered to pay $500 and costs, get a mental health evaluation and follow any recommendation for treatment, and render 10 hours of community service.

Sean Phillip Guerin, 22, of Saylorsburg, was placed for a year on a charge of receiving stolen property. He was arrested on April 15 by state police at Fern Ridge with Jim Cassel the listed victim.

He was ordered to pay $350 and costs, make restitution in an amount to be determined and render 15 hours of community service.

Kevin J. Harte, 24, of Orefield, was placed for a year on a driving under the influence (DUI) charge. He was arrested on May 16 along Catawissa St., in Nesquehoning. Given at test, the result was .11BAC.

He was ordered to pay $400 and costs, get a drug and alcohol evaluation, license suspended for 60 days and render three hours of community service per month while in the program.

Joe Louis Hawes III, 23, of Candeer, N.Y., was placed for six months on a possession of a controlled substance charge. He was arrested on July 11 by Jim Thorpe police along Susquehanna St.

He was ordered to pay $350 and costs, get a D&A evaluation and render 10 hours of community service.

Jonathan O'Gurek, 28, of Summit Hill, was placed for a year on a DUI charge. He was arrested on March 1 along SR902 in Lansford. Given a test, the result was .09BAC.

He was ordered to pay $350 and costs, license suspended for 60 days, get a D&A evaluation, and render three hours of community service per month while in the program.

Robin C. Zurawa, 50, of Jim Thorpe, was placed for a year on a DUI charge. Zurawa was arrested on June 9 along Center St., in Jim Thorpe. Given a test, the result was .14BAC.

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

All defendants must also pay a $50 per month supervision fee while in the program.