A Butler Township man will go to state prison after being sentenced Friday in Schuylkill County Court on weapon charges.
William E. Coward III, 42, of Ashland, must spend 24 to 48 months in a state correctional institution under the terms of Judge John E. Domalakes' sentence.
"Mr. Coward, you did this to yourself," Domalakes told the defendant after imposing the sentence on him.
Domalakes imposed the sentence after revoking Coward's participation in the intermediate punishment program. Coward admitted violating the terms of the program by using drugs, failing drug tests, and possessing drugs and drug paraphernalia.
"I understand state time is necessary," Coward testified. "I need to alter my life."
Coward originally pleaded guilty on Oct. 17, 2012, to nine counts of prohibited possession of firearm, eight in one case and one in a second case. On Nov. 26, Domalakes placed him in the intermediate punishment program for five years, and also sentenced him to pay costs and $100 to the Criminal Justice Enhancement Account and to submit a DNA sample to law enforcement authorities.
Butler Township police had filed both sets of charges against Coward, alleging he possessed a gun on April 7, 2011, and eight guns on April 8, 2011.
Domalakes made his sentence concurrent to one of nine to 36 months that President Judge William E. Baldwin imposed on Wednesday after revoking Coward's probation in an unrelated case.
In another Friday case, Judge Charles M. Miller sentenced Mark A. Leib, 19, of Schuylkill Haven, to spend three to 23 months in prison after revoking his probation for a new arrest.
"It's unfortunate, but you have to be disciplined," Miller told Leib. "Start being a man."
Leib originally pleaded guilty on Dec. 12, 2012, to two counts of possession of drug paraphernalia, with prosecutors withdrawing three counts of corruption of minors and one of possession of a small amount of marijuana. At that time, Miller placed him on probation for 23 months and also sentenced him to pay costs, $200 to the Substance Abuse Education Fund and a $50 CJEA payment, and undergo a drug and alcohol evaluation.
Schuylkill Haven borough police had charged Leib with possessing drug paraphernalia on Feb. 1, 2012, and again on April 20, 2012, both times in the borough.
In other recent county court action, Judge James P. Goodman accepted guilty pleas from, and, pursuant to agreements between prosecutors and defendants, imposed the indicated sentences on, these people:
David A. Legutko, 30, of Port Carbon; possession of a controlled substance; 12 months probation, $100 SAEF payment, $50 CJEA payment and $113 restitution to the state police crime laboratory in Bethlehem. Prosecutors withdrew charges of disorderly conduct and public drunkenness.
Charles H. Lengle, 22, of Pine Grove; indecent exposure and corruption of minors; three years probation and $50 CJEA payment. Prosecutors withdrew charges of statutory sexual assault, aggravated indecent assault and indecent assault.
Kyle F. Lombel, 21, of Schuylkill Haven; driving under the influence and reckless driving; 72 hours to six months in prison, $1,025 in fines, $100 SAEF payment and $365 restitution to the state police crime laboratory in Bethlehem. Prosecutors withdrew three counts of possession of a controlled substance and one each of possession of a small amount of marijuana and possession of drug paraphernalia.
Scott J. Meade, 52, of Pottsville; DUI; 12 months in the intermediate punishment program, $750 fine, $100 SAEF payment and $60 restitution to Schuylkill Medical Center-South Jackson Street. Prosecutors withdrew charges of accident involving death or personal injury and careless driving.
Steve Miller, 56, of New Ringgold; two counts of careless driving and one of driving without a license; $250 in fines. Prosecutors withdrew two counts of accident involving damage to attended vehicle of property.
Matthew R. Pfautz, 29, of Ephrata; corruption of minors; sentencing deferred. Prosecutors withdrew a charge of unlawful contact with minor.
Dzemo Ramic, 29, of Hazleton; possessing instrument of crime; 12 months probation. Prosecutors withdrew three counts of simple assault, recklessly endangering another person and harassment.
George R. Rogosky, 45, of West Mansfield, Ohio; DUI; five years in the intermediate punishment program, $1,500 fine, $100 SAEF payment and $60 restitution to Schuylkill Medical Center-South Jackson Street. Prosecutors withdrew a charge of careless driving.
In other recent county court action, Goodman accepted guilty pleas from, and, pursuant to agreements between prosecutors and defendants, imposed the indicated sentences on, these people:
Gary Lee Zellner, 56, of Slatington - DUI, possession of a small amount of marijuana, possession of drug paraphernalia, harassment and disorderly conduct; seven days to six months in prison, 13 months consecutive probation, $1,000 fine and $100 SAEF payment. Prosecutors withdrew two counts of terroristic threats and one each of aggravated assault and simple assault.
Zachary G. Zerby, 19, of Pottsville - possession of drug paraphernalia; 12 months probation, $100 SAEF payment and $113 restitution to the state police crime laboratory in Bethlehem. Prosecutors withdrew a charge of possession of a small amount of marijuana.
William D. Smith, 47, of Mahanoy City - DUI and driving under suspension-DUI related; 90 days to six months in prison, $1,250 in fines, $100 SAEF payment and $60 restitution to Schuylkill Medical Center-South Jackson Street. Prosecutors withdrew charges of driving unregistered vehicle, operating vehicle without valid inspection and no rear lights.
Joshua W. Yeagley, 21, of Pine Grove - simple assault, resisting arrest, possession of a controlled substance and disorderly conduct; 12 months probation, $150 fine and $50 CJEA payment.
All defendants who were sentenced must pay costs as a part of their sentences.