Judge John T. Madden sentenced a former Pine Grove man to the Anthony Center for Youthful Offenders in Wetzel County Circuit Court Nov. 7 for breaking into Norris Pharmacy on Nov. 18, 2007.

Robert Eugene Morgan, 19, of 1374 Thorn Ridge Rd., Friendly, pleaded guilty to one count of attempted entry of a building other than a dwelling.

Defense Attorney Kevin Neiswonger said Morgan is guilty of “essentially being drunk and stupid.” He elaborated that the defendant says he was drunk and upset with his girlfriend. Consequently he was walking around, hitting and breaking things.

Security video shows Morgan breaking the door window and then it appears as if he is trying to open the door. However, Neiswonger said his client doesn’t know why he would have done that. “I don’t remember committing the offense, but I know that I did it,” stated Morgan. He said he feels “humiliated.”

Morgan continued to tell the judge he didn’t think he would be a good candidate for probation as he is currently without a steady home.

Morgan doesn’t have any other convictions as an adult. “His youth works in his favor. Still, he needs to be punished,” said Madden.

He sentenced him to one to three years in the West Virginia Penitentiary for Men, then suspended the sentence and ordered him to be sent to the Anthony Center for Youthful Offenders for a period of six months to two years. If he completes that program successfully, Morgan will be placed on two years probation. He must pay court costs and restitution of $425. Morgan’s bond will continue until there is an opening for him at the Anthony Center.

In other court matters, Bryan Michael Long, 21, 130 N. Bridge St., Apt. B2, of New Martinsville, entered a not guilty plea to the fourth and final sealed indictment from the Sept. 9 grand jury. It charges him with delivery of a controlled substance, heroin; possession of a controlled substance with intent to deliver, heroin; and manufacture of a controlled substance, marijuana. All of the counts are to have taken place on or about July 13, 2008.

The state is to reply to the defense’s discovery request by Nov. 21 with the defense to reply to the state’s request by Dec. 4. They are to return to court on Dec. 5 at 9 a.m. for further proceedings. Bond set in magistrate court will continue.

A trial date of Dec. 22 was set for Rebecca Jeanne Gent, 43, of U.S. Route 250, P. O. Box 250, Hundred, who is charged with on one count of possession of a controlled substance (marijuana) with intent to deliver. The offense allegedly took place on July 29.

The state had extended a plea offer in the case, but it was not accepted. They will return to court on Dec. 5 at 10:30 a.m. for further proceedings, primarily to consider the voluntariness of statements she had given in the matter.

Josh E. Mylar, 19, of 401 N. Eighth Ave., Paden City, waived his right to a speedy trial. He is charged with one count of delivery of a controlled substance, heroin, on July 14.

“There are additional charges that may be brought against Mr. Mylar,” noted Haught. They want to try to seek a resolution in the case that will resolve all of the issues before the next grand jury convenes.

They will return to court on Jan. 2 at 9 a.m. for further proceedings.