Three first-time offenders in the criminal justice system were placed in Carbon County's Accelerated Rehabilitation Disposition probation program last week by Judge Steven R. Serfass.

If they successfully complete the terms 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 three were placed for a year on driving under the influence charges.Salvatore G. Caruso, 28, of Lehighton, was arrested on June 27 along Bridge Street by Lehighton police. A test revealed the presence of a controlled substance.He was assessed $600 for the cost of the program and ordered to render 50 hours of community service and have his license suspended for 60 days.George Kerper Mease, 68, of Weatherly, was arrested on June 15 in the 400 block of North First Street by Lehighton police. A test revealed a 0.16 BAC.He was assessed $550 and ordered to render 50 hours of community service and his license was suspended for 60 days.Jesse Phillip Costa-Hollingworth, 20, of White Haven, was arrested on Aug. 5 along Packer Drive in Packer Township by state police at Hazleton. A test revealed the presence of a controlled substance.He was assessed $550 and ordered to render 50 hours of community service and license suspended for 90 days.Each defendant must also pay court costs of about $1,000, a $50 per month supervision fee while in the program and follow all recommendations of their drug and alcohol evaluation.