Wells Superior Court
Criminal Cases
Preliminary plea of not guilty entered for Eric Smith Jr., 26, Bluffton, charged with domestic battery committed in the presence of a child less than 16 years old, a Level 6 felony. Bond continued at $25,000. Law office of Sprunger and Sprunger appointed as public defender.
At 12:37 a.m. Nov. 26, Smith reportedly went to a relative’s house and told that relative he was going to stay with him because he had no other place to stay. The relative told Smith that he was not going to stay and asked him to leave. Smith allegedly walked into the residence anyway and his relative tried to stop him. Smith then allegedly punched his relative in the head in the presence of his relative’s juvenile son. When the relative said that he was going to call police, Smith reportedly fled.
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Preliminary plea of not guilty entered for Keaton Dale Detrow, 21, Ossian, charged with possession of a Schedule I, II, III, or IV controlled substance, a Class A misdemeanor.
On Oct. 9, 2021, sheriff’s deputies were assisting the Wells County Probation Department with the searches of the dwellings of probationers.
While performing the search of a room where one of the probationers stayed, deputies allegedly located two vape pens, one of which had a cartridge for Muha Meds that reportedly contained THC. There were also reportedly empty boxes in the room labeled for Muha Meds. Ryan Loy Fisel, 44, Fort Wayne, pleaded guilty to operating a motor vehicle after having been found to be an habitual traffic violator, a Level 6 felony.
Sentencing set for 3 p.m. March 16.
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Mendy T. Rothgeb, 36, Fort Wayne, violated probation by failing to report to her probation officer Feb. 3, Feb. 9, and Feb. 17 of last year, using alcohol and failing to report her contacts with law enforcement on Jan. 7 and Jan. 19 of last year.
Ordered to serve 30 days in the Wells County Jail and pay $100 fees. She was credited for 10 days spent in confinement awaiting disposition of her case.
Upon the completion of her term of incarceration, her probation will terminate.
Rothgeb was originally sentenced Oct. 1, 2020, on one count of disorderly conduct, a Class B misdemeanor.
Infractions
Hayden A. Brown, 19, Bluffton; driving while suspended and operating a motor vehicle without operable taillights and/or a license plate light, Main Street at Arrowhead Trail.
Dylan D. Eppard, 22, Bluffton; operating a motor vehicle without insurance and learner’s permit violation, 600 block of North Main Street.
Civil Cases
Complaints for possession and for non-payment of rent filed by BCG Capital LLC, Bluffton, against: Heather Ross, Bluffton, $695; Briah Burnsworth, Bluffton, $510.
Complaints for payment filed by Indiana Physical Therapy, Fort Wayne, against: Casey Boone, rural Bryant, $759.90; Teresa A. Hathaway, Bluffton, $775.08; Dacia R. Irelan, rural Liberty Center, $278.22; Nikki Phillipe, rural Bluffton, $449.83; and Kristina Sprunger, Fort Wayne, $1,365.07.
Donni Gray reappointed court administrator. Catherine LaVine reappointed as court reporter.
Wells Circuit Court
Criminal Cases
Alexis Wirt, 21, Markle, pleaded guilty to battery resulting in bodily injury to a person less than 14 years of age, a Level 5 felony.
Sentencing set for 1 p.m. Feb. 9.
Civil Cases
Verified petition to modify custody without an agreement filed by Rebecca S. Bates, Markle, on behalf of minor child Raelynn E. Ogle.
