Four 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 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 will face trial on all pending charges. A person does not admit guilt in entering the program.Christopher Lee Ahner, 29, of Palmerton, was placed for a year on a charge of driving under the influence. He was arrested on Oct. 15along Bridge Street in Weissport by state police at Lehighton. A test revealed the presence of a controlled substance.He was assessed $600 for the cost of the program, ordered to render 50 hours of community service and his license was suspended for 60 days.Sheila Christine Brodt, 21, of Albrightsville, was placed for a year on a charge of possession of a small amount of marijuana. She was arrested on Oct. 3by state police at Fern Ridge following a traffic stop.She was assessed $450, ordered to get a drug and alcohol evaluation and follow any recommendations for treatment, and render 50 hours of community service.Nicole Marie Martin, 25, of Jim Thorpe, was placed for a year on a charge of possession of a small amount of marijuana. She was arrested on Nov. 23along Maury Road in Penn Forest Township by state police at Lehighton.She was assessed $450 and ordered to render 50 hours of community service.Raelynn Rian Strohl, 19, of Palmerton, was placed for two years on a charge of simple assault. She was arrested on Jan. 4 by Palmerton police for allegedly assaulting her sister.She was assessed $450, ordered to render 100 hours of community service and have no contact with her sister.Each defendant must also pay court costs of about $1,000 and a $50 per month supervision fee while in the program.