Five first-time offenders in the criminal justice system were placed in Carbon County's Accelerated Rehabilitation Disposition probation program recently 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, 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.Ivan Martin Justofin, 49, of West Hazleton, was placed on a driving under the influence charge. He was arrested on Aug. 21 along Interstate 80 in East Side Borough by state police at Fern Ridge. A test revealed a 0.13 BAC.He was assessed $500 for the cost of the program and ordered to render 50 hours of community service, and his license was suspended for 30 days.Schana Andrea Stewart, 27, of Nesquehoning, was placed on a theft charge. She was arrested on Aug. 20 by Nesquehoning police for taking four fentanyl patches fromher aunt.She was assessed $650 and ordered to get a drug and alcohol evaluation and follow any recommendations for treatment, render 50 hours of community service and have no contact with the victim.Michele White, 48, of New Castle, Delaware, was placed on a DUI charge. She was arrested on March 4 along Route 940 in Kidder Township by state police at Fern Ridge. She refused a blood test.She was assessed $600, ordered to render 50 hours of community service and her license was suspended for 60 days.Eric Dawson Beers, 47, of Lehighton, was placed on 20 counts including aggravated and simple assault, recklessly endangering, harassment, persistent disorderly conduct and summary offenses for an incident on July 10 filed by state police at Lehighton involving his neighbors.He was assessed $650 and ordered to render 50 hours of community service and have no contact with his neighbors.Gina Marie McMurray, 24, of Lehighton, was placed on a retail theft charge. She was arrested on Nov. 5, 2015, by Mahoning Township police for an incident at the Walmart store.She was assessed $650 and ordered to render 50 hours of community service and stay out of the Walmart store.Each defendant must also pay court costs of about $1,000 and a $50 per month supervision fee while in the program.