In May 8-14 issue

Presented by the Commonwealth's Attorney for this district, Mathew Leveridge, the following are some of the pleas and sentences entered or handed down in court recently--

Lutz given 5 years with the opportunity to complete the Drug Court program

On April 22, Janel Lutz entered a guilty plea to numerous counts of Criminal Possession of a Forged Instrument, 2nd Degree according to Commonwealth's Attorney, Matthew Leveridge. Lutz was accused of taking checks belonging to another person and cashing the checks at various local businesses.

Leveridge said that Lutz was given a 5 years sentence on the charges, but will be given the opportunity to complete the Drug Court program instead of going to prison. As part of the Drug Court requirements, Lutz will have to pay back any money taken from the check owner and the local businesses. If Lutz fails to pay her restitution or fails to complete the Drug Court program, she could be sentenced to 5 years in prison.

Ard pleads guilty to burglary and related charges

On April 22, Dustin Ard entered a plea of guilty to one count of Burglary, 2nd Degree, one count of Theft of Controlled Substances and one count of Theft by Unlawful Taking over $300 according to Leveridge. Ard was accused of breaking into a local home where he is accused of stealing cash and controlled substances valued at approximately $4,000.00.

Leveridge said he recommended a sentence of 5 years on these charges to run consecutive to a previous case for a total effective sentence of 10 years to serve. In addition to the sentence, Ard will pay restitution to the victims when he is released from prison. Sentencing will take place on June 10.

Hanlon pleads guilty to numerous theft charges

On April 22, Anthony Hanlon entered a plea of guilty to one count of Theft by Unlawful Taking over $300, two counts of Theft by Deception and two counts of Theft by Failure to Make Required Disposition of Property according to Leveridge. Hanlon was accused of taking a T.V. and an Xbox video game system from a local home. He then sold the stolen items to another local man. He was also accused of leasing a T.V. from Aaron's and selling the T.V. to a local pawn shop.

Leveridge said he recommended a sentence of 3 years on these charges to run consecutive to a previous case for a total effective sentence of 10 years to serve. Sentencing will take place on May 27.

Robertson pleads guilty to theft charges

On March 11, Gary Shannon Robertson entered a plea of guilty to one count of Theft by Unlawful Taking over $300 according to Leveridge. Robertson was accused of taking fishing rods, fishing tackle and other property from the back of a pickup parked at Kroger.

Leveridge said he recommended a sentence of 1 year on this charges to run consecutive to a previous case for a total effective sentence of 16 years to serve. Sentencing on the case took place on April 22.

Brumley pleads guilty to arson charges

On April 28, Shawn Brumley entered a plea of guilty to the charge of Arson, 3rd Degree according to Leveridge. Brumley was accused of setting fire to and causing damage to an unoccupied building. The building suffered some minimal damage in the fire.

Leveridge said he recommended the maximum sentence of 5 years on the charge but requested that Brumely be placed on pre-trial diversion for 5 years. As part of the diversion, Brumley will be required to attend AA meetings 3 times per week and maintain full time employment. Brumley faces 5 years in prison if he does not complete the diversion program.

Coleman enters guilty plea to charges of welfare fraud

On April 28, Paul Coleman entered a guilty plea to Fraud or False Statement in Obtaining Benefits according to Leveridge. Coleman was accused of assisting another person in committing welfare fraud by falsifying rent documents so the other person could receive more food stamps, K-tap and Medicaid than they were entitled to.

Leveridge recommended the maximum sentence of 5 years in prison but recommended that the sentence be placed on pretrial diversion for 5 years conditioned upon Coleman repaying the food stamp, K-tap and Medicaid overpayments. If Coleman fails to make payments as required, he could be forced to serve five years in prison.

George sentenced to 5 years on theft charges

On April 28, Michael George was sentenced to 5 years in prison, on the recommendation of the Commonwealth's Attorney. George pled guilty to numerous charges, including theft.

Leveridge said he recommended that George be placed on probation instead of going to prison so he could make restitution to the victim for the value of the items he stole.