Wells appeared Friday before Judge Jeannine Pratt with her lawyer, Bryan Penick. She waived a grand jury consideration of allegations against her as part of a plea deal with prosecutors. Pratt entered a not guilty plea on her behalf because of the pending motion for intervention in lieu of conviction.
The not guilty pleas involve four felony counts of possession of drugs identified as Amphetamine and Oxycodone. Each charge carries a possible term of six to 12 months and a $2,500 fine. As part of the plea agreement, prosecutors will dismiss the traffic charges.
Wells will be screened by the Adult Probation office for possible participation in the intervention in lieu of conviction program in which the person charged has to complete specific requirements over a set period of time. If Wells does not qualify for the program, the case would continue in court. A hearing on the motion in lieu of conviction was scheduled for July 18.
Pratt approved Wells’ continued release on her own recognizance with conditions, including she not leave the state of Ohio, not move without notifying the court, not consume any illegal substances and keep in contact with her lawyer.
Wells asked to be allowed to travel to Kentucky, where she said she also is licensed to practice law. Pratt approved trips to Kentucky for work purposes only.
She has served as a guest and legal analyst on WLW. The station’s program director has told our partners at WCPO that Wells, a defense attorney and part-time fill-in host, would remain off the air until her legal case plays out.
About the Author