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Carbon County court — ARD

Seven first-time offenders were placed in Carbon County’s Accelerated Rehabilitation Disposition probation program on Thursday by President Judge Roger N. Nanovic II.

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 will 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.

Joseph P. Bassetti Jr.

, 33, of Jim Thorpe, was placed on a driving under the influence charge. He was arrested on April 15 along Route 903 in Penn Forest Township by state police at Lehighton. A test revealed a 0.23 BAC.

He was assessed $550 for the cost of the program and his license was suspended for 60 days.

Ryan Daniel Kuehner

, 33, of Kunkletown, was placed on a DUI charge. He was arrested on April 30 along Little Gap Road in Lower Towamensing Township by state police at Lehighton. A test showed 0.11 BAC.

He was assessed $500 and his license was suspended for 30 days.

Vincent Micha Kutish

, 25, of Coaldale, was placed for six months on a charge of possession of a small amount of marijuana. He was arrested on May 27 along Route 443 at Palmerton by state police at Lehighton. He was stopped for speeding, 75 mph in a 55 zone.

He was assessed $450 and ordered to get a drug and alcohol evaluation and follow any recommendations for treatment.

Natasha Marie Mertz

, 23, of Lehighton, was placed on a DUI charge. She was arrested on June 16 along South First Street by Lehighton police. A test revealed the presence of a controlled substance.

She was assessed $600 and her license was suspended for 60 days.

Heather G. Shutt

, 27, of Kunkletown, was placed on a DUI charge. She was arrested on June 4 by state police at Lehighton along Route 209 in Towamensing Township. A test revealed a 0.15 BAC.

She was assessed $500 and her license was suspended for 30 days.

Sophia Katia Smolko

, 19, of Lehighton, was placed on a charge of possession of a controlled substance — heroin. She was arrested on Aug. 4 in Franklin Township by state police at Lehighton.

She was assessed $450 and ordered to get a drug and alcohol evaluation and zero tolerance imposed on drug and alcohol use.

Andrew Michael Snyder

, 27, of Lehighton, was placed on a DUI charge. He was arrested on April 27 along Iron Street by Lehighton police. A test revealed a 0.11 BAC.

He was assessed $500 and his license was suspended for 30 days.

Each defendant must also pay court costs of about $1,000, a $50 per month supervision fee while in the program, and those charged with DUI must follow any recommendation of their drug and alcohol evaluation.