By TJ HEMLINGER
Staff Writer

     A 47-year-old Pierceton woman was released to probation by Circuit Court judge James Heuer and allowed to return home after completing more than six months on work release.
     Patricia A. Hall had been sentenced to 10 years in prison with six to be served in July 2007 for selling oxycodone to a confidential informant. She was moved to work release in December of last year.
     Hall told the court she continues to attend Narcotics Anonymous meetings weekly and hopes to regain custody of her 9-year-old son.
     Heuer placed her on probation for the remainder of her sentence, which is just a little more than a year of good behavior.
     In other cases Monday:
     • Justin H. Pontious, 19, of Rochester, will go on trial June 23 on charges of possession of methamphetamine, a Class C felony; possession of cocaine, another Class C felony; possession of two or more precursors with intent to manufacture, also a Class C felony; possession of paraphernalia, a Class A misdemeanor; carrying a handgun without a license, a Class A misdemeanor; visiting a common nuisance, a Class B misdemeanor; and false informing, a Class B misdemeanor.
     • Jody L. Bear, 38, of Churubusco, had Brad Voelz appointed as her attorney to answer charges she is not in compliance with a deferred prosecution agreement. She has paid restitution, she told the court, but has not paid the deferral fee.
     • Michael J. Huntine, 20, of Churubusco, will have a hearing on July 27 on a motion to suppress evidence. His attorney, Steven M. Bush, is arguing Churubusco police searched him after telling him he was free to go and allegedly found drugs and paraphernalia. He is charged with possession of cocaine, a Class A felony with a maximum sentence of 50 years, possession of paraphernalia, a Class A misdemeanor, and unauthorized entry of a motor vehicle.
     • James L. Severit, 28, of Wolf Lake, had his bond reduced to $10,000 surety from $30,000. He is charged with possession of precursors with intent to manufacture meth, a Class C felony; possession of two or more precursors with intent to manufacture, a Class C felony; illegal storage or transportation of ammonia, a Class A misdemeanor; and possession of paraphernalia, a Class A misdemeanor.

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