Three defendants in pending criminal cases were placed in Carbon County's Accelerated Rehabilitation Disposition probation program for first-time offenders this week 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 it, they would face trial on all charges. A person does not admit guilt in entering the program.All were placed for a year.Katrina Lynn Neff, 36, of Lehighton, was placed on a retail theft charge. She was arrested on Sept. 12, 2015, by Mahoning Township police for an incident at the Walmart store.She was assessed $450 and ordered to render 50 hours of community service and to stay out of the store. The stolen items were recovered.Jessica Marie Snisky, 20, of Nesquehoning, was placed on a charge of simple assault. She was arrested on Dec. 25, 2015, by Nesquehoning police for an incident involving her motheras the victim.She was assessed $650 and ordered to render 50 hours of community service, get a drug and alcohol evaluation and follow any recommendations for treatment and zero tolerance for drug and alcohol use.Howard James Zellner, 52, of Palmerton, was placed on a retail theft charge. He was arrested on Jan. 4 by Mahoning Township police at the Walmart store.He was assessed $450 and ordered to render 50 hours of community service and to stay out of the store. The stolen items were recovered.Each defendant must also pay court costs of about $1,000 and a $50 per month supervision fee while in the program.