Man sentenced in domestic case

A SENTENCING of 46 days in the Belmont County Jail was handed down to James R. Threet, 24, of 814 N. 8th St., Steubenville, today in the court of Judge John M. Solovan II.

Upon pleading guilty to the improper handling of a firearm in a motor vehicle, a fourth degree felony, and one count of domestic violence, a misdemeanor in the first degree, Solovan sentenced Threet to five years of community control sanction, which is to include a 60 day jail sentence, with 14 days already credited, a six month stay at the Eastern Ohio Correctional Center immediately following the jail sentence and a 40-month probation period.

“Domestic violence cannot be tolerated,” Solovan said.

The victim of this case appeared at Solovan’s court to speak on behalf of the defendant.

“People make mistakes, I’m not excusing what happened that night, but he’s a good person,” she said.

Even though Threet is sentenced to 60 days, Solovan will allow him to be released to EOCC as soon as possible.

“I suspect that all of your problems stem from drug use,” Solovan said. “You will have no contact with the victim - I will determine when the contact will be reinstated.”

After being convicted of burglary, a fourth degree felony, Christopher Dilly, 18, 216 Belview St., Barnesville, was sentenced to 30 days in the Belmont County Jail along with six months in the Eastern Ohio Correctional Center immediately following his sentence.

Although no juvenile record, Dilly does have a history of criminal damaging and tested positive for marijuana pending his sentence.

Dilly asked the judge, if sentenced to jail, to give him until Monday to get things in order, however, Solovan overruled and said Dilly’s attitude had to change.

“You’re no longer living under your rules, you’re living under mine,” Solovan said.

The judge didn’t feel Dilly fully understood the seriousness of his crime. “A person’s home is their castle - they don’t expect people to walk in their home and steal their things,” Solovan said.

The defendant must acquire his GED while serving his six months at EOCC. A 12-month probation period and 80 hours of community service must be completed upon his sentencing.

Additionally, Peter B. Klos, Belmont County Justice Center, has had previous charges including six DUIs, five DUSs and two disorderly conduct counts and recently tested positive for cocaine.

Klos admitted at his first stage hearing a violation of the community sanctions by drinking alcohol just three weeks after he was released.

“I took on too much, I just made a mistake,” Klos said.

A sentencing of 30 months in the penitentiary, with 11 months already credited, was handed down to Klos.

“I’m greatly concerned as long as you continue to use, driving will become part of this procedure,” Solovan said.

Matz may be reached at kmatz@timesleaderonline.com