Five first-time offenders in the criminal justice system were placed in Carbon County's Accelerated Rehabilitation Disposition probation program by Judge Joseph J. Matika recently.

If a person successfully completes all conditions of the program their record will be wiped clean. However, if they fail to complete it, or are revoked from it, then 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.Gloria Jean Rossi, 53, of Weatherly, was placed on a charge of criminal attempt-poisoning of domestic animal. She was charge by Weatherly police for an incident on Sept. 18, 2015, with allegedly placing Dawn liquid detergent in the food of her neighbors' cat.She was assessed $650 for the cost of the program and ordered not to have any contact with the neighbor.Ryan L. Bortree,34, of Lehighton, was placed for two years on a charge of access device fraud. He was charged by Lehighton police for an incident involving checks and the First Commonwealth Credit Union as victim.He was assessed $650 and ordered to render 100 hours of community service, and make restitution to the credit union for $2,064.59.Edward Kyree Darby, 31, of Hazleton, was placed on a charge of driving under the influence. He was arrested on Sept. 5, 2015, by state police at Fern Ridge along Route 534 in Kidder Township. A test showed the presence of a controlled substance.He was assessed $600 and ordered to render 50 hours of community service and license suspended for 60 days. He must also follow all recommendations of his drug and alcohol evaluation.Michael Allen Bollinger, 42, of Lehighton, was placed for two years on a charge of terroristic threats. He was charged by state police at Lehighton for an incident on Nov. 3, 2015, in East Penn Township.He was assessed $650 and ordered to get both drug and alcohol and mental health evaluations and render 100 hours of community service.Donna Marie Larrimore,53, of Palmerton, was placed for six months on a charge of retail theft. She was arrested for an incident at the Wal-Mart store by Mahoning Township police.She was assessed $450 and ordered to render 25 hours of community service and stay out of the Wal-Mart store.Each defendant must also pay court costs of about $1,000 and a $50 per month supervision fee while in the program.