Van DeCree begins prison term

WARREN

Van DeCree, 59, of Warren, a former All-America football defensive end in 1973 and 1974 for Ohio State University, has begun serving a seven-month prison term after pleading guilty to violating the terms of a sentencing program.

DeCree tested positive for cocaine while undergoing treatment for drug addiction earlier this year and later committed several probation violations, such as providing a phony urine sample to a probation officer.

DeCree played high school football at Warren Western Reserve High School. He was sentenced Monday by Judge Peter Kontos of Trumbull County Common Pleas Court.