By Heather Hintze
August 5, 2009

Springfield, Ore. -- Walter Rolla Weber, the former Marcola School Superintendent, appeared in court Wednesday morning on charges of soliciting prostitution in downtown Springfield in July. Weber entered into a deferred prosecution, meaning he has not been convicted, and instead must pay a $1,000 diversion fee. If he's not cited for similar charges within the next year, the charge will be dismissed.

Meanwhile, local officials and business owners say prostitution and other illicit activities will continue to be a problem in Springfield until businesses that breed them move away from the downtown area.