In separate cases, 3 receive probation on various charges

MERCER, Pa. -- A Washington, Pa., woman has been placed on 10 years' probation for shoplifting.
Judge Michael Wherry of Mercer County Common Pleas Court ordered Nicole Moore, 18, to also pay $188 in restitution.
Moore pleaded guilty to two misdemeanor counts of retail theft, including an October 2002 theft of 15 DVDs from Wal-Mart in Hempfield Township and a November 2002 theft of clothing and jewelry from J.C. Penney's in Shenango Valley Mall, Hermitage.
Adam Bartlett, 23, of the Mercer County Jail, was placed on five years' probation for a consolidated misdemeanor count of passing bad checks. According to court documents, he passed a bad check for $918 last September at Northwest Savings Bank, 200 South Center St., Grove City.
James Bortner, 28, of Brian Lane, Hermitage, was placed on five years' probation for a felony count of attempting to acquire a controlled substance by fraud or misrepresentation and for a misdemeanor count of violating the Pharmacy Act. According to court documents, in August 2002, he went to two pharmacies and tried to obtain Xanax, OxyContin and Alprazolam, all controlled substances, by forging a signature on a stolen prescription pad.