A number of defendants scheduled to have their cases heard before District Judge Stephen Bayer, Tamaqua, on Tuesday, elected to waive their rights to a preliminary hearing.

Lynne Anne Kowal, 36, of 715 Lehann Circle, Springfield, was charged with possession of a controlled substance following an incident on Aug. 18, 2007. The charges were filed by State Trooper John Sleboda.She was released on $10,000 unsecured bail.Raymond G. Anderson, 32, of 50 Schuylkill Rd., New Ringgold, waived a hearing on charges of driving under the influence (DUI) of alcohol, fleeing/eluding law enforcement, driving with a suspended/revoked license and reckless driving. The charges were filed by Rush Township Patrolman Duane Frederick following an Oct. 19 incident.Anderson was released on $25,000 unsecured bail.Kevin E. Fort, 22, of 126 W. Miner St., Coaldale, waived a hearing on charges filed by Coaldale Patrolman Scott Cramer. The charges stem from an Aug. 15 incident and include DUI of a controlled substance, driving with a suspended registration, driving without the required insurance and failure to notify of a change in address.Fort was released on his own recognizance.Keri J. Taschler, 32, of 856 Edgemont Ave., Palmerton, waived a hearing on charges of theft by unlawful taking, unauthorized use of a motor vehicle and receiving stolen property. He was charged by Coaldale Police Chief Timothy Delaney following an Aug. 11 incident.She was released on $25,000 unsecured bail.Patrick J. Kelly Jr., 23, of 139 W. Ridge St., Lansford, was charged with DUI and driving without rear lights on Aug. 17. The charges, which were waived to court, were filed by Coaldale Patrolman Charles Blesse.He was released on $10,000 unsecured bail.Ashley L. Roberts, 24, of 309 Prospect St., Weissport, waived a hearing on a charge of conspiracy to commit retail theft. Charges of retail theft and receiving stolen property were withdrawn by arresting officer Rush Township Patrolman Brian Thompson. The charges stem from a July 10 incident.She was released on $10,000 unsecured bail.