Paul William Derby

Two defendants were sentenced following guilty pleas made in Wetzel County Circuit Court on June 17. Judge Mark A. Karl presided.

Paul William Derby, 27, of 416 Foundry Street, New Martinsville, was sentenced to the West Virginia Penitentiary for one to five years after pleading guilty to delivery of a controlled substance (Hydrocodone) on or about Sept. 23, 2009, in Wetzel County.

Pursuant to the plea agreement, Judge Karl suspended the execution of sentencing for two years of supervised probation. Derby will also pay court costs.

It was noted in court that Derby is a regular user of drugs. His attorney, Jeremiah Gardner, even went on to say his client would likely test positive for drugs if tested during his hearing.

“I’m troubled by the extent of his drug use,” Wetzel County Prosecuting Attorney Timothy Haught said. “I request he be required to seek treatment for drugs and alcohol.”

Although Derby also requested such counseling, Judge Karl addressed Derby sternly, telling him he cannot use drugs while on probation. “If you are not compliant. . . you will be back in front of me and you really don’t want to see me again,” Karl warned.

Derby pleaded innocent to his one-count indictment for delivery of a controlled substance (Hydrocodone).

Lastly, Robert Lee Brown, 35, of 742 Maple Lane, Sistersville, was sentenced to the Northern Regional Jail for 90 days with credit for 18 days served following his guilty plea to count two of his indictment, that being the misdemeanor offense of receiving stolen property. Brown admitted in court that his cousin gave him a license plate he knew was stolen, and he put it on his truck. However, count one of his indictment was dismissed, as the state noted there was no evidence that Brown altered a Vehicle Identification Number. Brown is also ordered to pay all court costs. Brown was remanded to the NRJ to complete his sentence.

The offenses were to have happened between July 1 and Aug. 22, 2010.