Several people appeared Tuesday in Rock Island County Circuit Court and waived their right to a preliminary hearing.

At such court appearances, a judge hears police or witness testimony and determines whether there is sufficient evidence a crime may have been committed.By waiving a preliminary hearing, the cases will continued to a March 1 pretrial conference date.

Those who waived that right Tuesday included:

* Richard Earl Bellmon, 53, of East Moline,who faces his 16th driving on a revoked license offense. Two misdemeanor counts of driving under the influence of alcohol also were upgraded to aggravated felony charges, according to court records. Mr. Bellmon remained in Rock Island County Jail on Tuesday on a $50,000 bond.

*James Paul Ostino, 30, of East Moline,who is charged with theft and unlawful possession of a stolen vehicle after his alleged attempt to steal a car at the Moline BP gas station, at 16th Street and Avenue of the Cities, was thwarted by the vehicle's driver. He was in jail on Tuesday on a $126,000 bond.

* Evan Douglas Peterson, 24, of East Moline,who is charged with unlawfully manufacturing meth with the intent to produce more than 900 grams;unlawful possession of meth precursors;unlawful possession of five to 15 grams of meth; and unlawfully using his home for illegal activity. He remained in jail on Tuesday on a $100,000 bond.

* Scott D. Sparkman, 23, of Rock Island,who faces four counts of aggravated child pornography after sex videos of a girl younger than 13 allegedly were found on a home computer. He posted 10 percent of a $40,000 bond earlier this month and was released from jail.