A husband and wife who were caught selling drugs earlier this year were sentenced in Wetzel County Circuit Court last week.

Robert Lynch and Nancy Lynch, both of 187 North State Route 2 Apt. C-202, New Martinsville, were sentenced Dec. 11, with Robert Lynch watching his wife be handcuffed and sent to Northern Regional Jail for the next two weeks.

Both individuals previously pleaded guilty to felony conspiracy to deliver a controlled narcotic substance (Percocet). Each were originally charged by the September 2014 grand jury with delivery of a controlled narcotic substance (Percocet) and possession of a controlled narcotic substance (oxycodone) with intent to deliver. These offenses allegedly occurred on or about June 18.

Robert Lynch pleaded guilty Nov. 6, while Nancy Lynch pleaded Nov. 7.

Each defendant was given the opportunity by Circuit Judge David W. Hummel to address the court. Nancy Lynch said what she had done was “wrong and stupid,” and that she wanted a second chance. Nancy Lynch stated she had been selling Percocet at the cost of $55 each. She said she sold approximately 30 per week.

Nancy Lynch’s attorney, Jeremiah Gardner, asked Hummel to grant his client probation, as it is her first offense.

Robert Lynch said he had gotten a job where he works 70-90 hours a week, trying to support his family, and has separated himself from people that he was associating with.

“I feel like I’ve bettered myself, and I feel like I would be able to stay on the right path,” Robert Lynch said.

Prosecutor Tim Haught told the court pursuant to the terms of the plea agreement, he agreed to remain silent on the matter.

In issuing his sentence, Hummel went over, with the Lynches, the five generally recognized purposes for sentencing. He said the first purpose is retribution.

“Plain and simple, you are drug dealers,” he told the duo. “You are literally putting poison into our community because you were selfish, and you were lazy, and you wanted the easy way out.”

Hummel further spoke of specific deterrents, general deterrents, rehabilitation and “the liberty interest,” of sentencing.

Hummel said it was unfortunate that the pair are now convicted felons, as they are young and had no previous interaction with the law.

“Nancy … you don’t want drug dealers around your community or children, just the same as people don’t want you around theirs,” he said.

Hummel sentenced Nancy Lynch to one-to-five years in jail. In issuing the sentence, Hummel addressed Robert Lynch directly.

“You brought your wife into this,” Hummel said. “Your pregnant wife.”

Hummel also sentenced Robert Lynch to one-to-five years in jail. He ordered Robert Lynch to be fully evaluated for drug court.

“If he qualifies he will follow through with any and all recommendations,” Hummel said.

Hummel then suspended Robert Lynch’s sentence in lieu of three years probation. He also suspended Nancy Lynch’s incarceration and sentenced her to three years probation following two weeks in jail.

“Mr. Lynch is going to watch his wife go to jail, because he brought her into it,” Hummel said.