HAMILTON — Common Pleas Judge H.J. Bressler could decide April 20 whether two Butler county men accused of abusing clients of the Butler County MRDD will have separate trials.

        Timothy Lee Ivers, 38, of Fairfield, and Jamie Ray Puckett, 27, of Hamilton, were indicted two weeks ago on charges of assault and patient abuse involving clients of the Butler County Board of Mental Retardation and Developmental Disabilities.

        Mr. Ivers and Mr. Puckett, who have pleaded not guilty to all charges, had separate court appearances Friday. Also in court was Butler County MRDD spokeswoman Pam Long, who said both men are on administrative leave without pay.

        Frank Schiavone, the attorney representing Mr. Ivers, said he will push for separate trials.

        Mr. Puckett is scheduled to appear in court April 12 on a motion to suppress a statement he made to law enforcement officials. Mr. Ivers' next court appearance is April 20, likely on a motion to have separate trials.

        If convicted, each man faces:

        • Six to 18 months in jail and up to a $5,000 fine on each patient abuse charge.

        • Up to 6 months in jail and up to a $1,000 fine on each assault charge.

        Hamilton Police Officer Dave Crawford said the investigation continues. Three other MRDD employees have been suspended with pay and remain under investigation.

        All five suspended employees are from the Hamilton Center, an adult activity center on Symmes Road.

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