Michael Huff Jr.

ST. CLAIRSVILLE — The man who robbed the Rich Oil gas station in Bellaire in May will spend 14 years behind bars, Common Pleas Judge Frank Fregiato decided Monday.

Michael Anthony Huff Jr. of Washington, Pa., appeared before Fregiato and was sentenced for aggravated robbery with a firearm specification, a first-degree felony. Fregiato imposed an 11-year sentence with three additional years for the firearm specification, for a total of 14 years.

Bellaire Police Chief Michael Kovalyk spoke in court Monday about the seriousness of the crime.

“This was a major crime in our community. It struck fear into the citizens of Bellaire. It occurred in a congested area of our town,” he said, noting the proximity to a school.

Kovalyk added that even though no one was injured, the matter struck an ominous nerve.

“Justice should be served here,” Kovalyk said.

Public Defender Frank Pierce agreed that while the event was serious, he asked Fregiato to consider Huff’s struggle with drug addiction. Fregiato, however, concurred with Kovalyk.

“The crime in this matter was unbelievable. You have a robbery with a firearm. We are extremely lucky we do not have a dead person,” Fregiato said, adding Huff’s prior record includes both misdemeanors and felonies. “We’ve got a record going back quite a while.”

Fregiato also referred to a written statement by the clerk at the gas station, noting the long-term mental trauma.

“The 14-year prison term as given by Judge Fregiato was well-deserved,” said Belmont County Prosecutor Dan Fry. “We need sentences like this on these serious cases to show that this conduct will not be tolerated.”

In other cases, Orville Dale Baughman III, 30, of 53968 Krebs Hill Road, Clarington, was sentenced for burglary, a fourth-degree felony occurring March 30. He was given a suspended sentence of 18 months and three years of community controls. He apologized to his family and the victims and asked for help with his drug addiction issues.

Josiah Rashaun Burress, 19, was sentenced on two counts of trafficking in drugs in the vicinity of a school, a fifth-degree felony occurring Oct. 5, 2014. He was given a one-year suspended sentence with three years of community controls. He will serve six months in jail and repay $200 in drug purchase money.

Brian Russell Coe, 27, of 60042 Watt Road, Jacobsburg, pleaded guilty to assault, a fifth-degree felony occurring Feb. 23. Sentencing was set for Aug. 15.

Charges stem from an assault on a school official at Powhatan Elementary School. Coe had reportedly gone to the school to speak to the school officials regarding a friend’s child when a dispute broke out.

Brandon Lee Dunn of 1070 Market St., Wheeling, pleaded guilty to fleeing and eluding, a third-degree felony occurring May 20. His sentencing was set for Aug. 15.

Dusty M. Funkhouser, 36, was sentenced for two counts of theft, a fourth-degree felony occurring March 1. Fregiato rejected an agreement by attorneys that would have carried no incarceration and instead imposed a sentence of two years in the penitentiary.

When a bed is available, she will be transported to Awakenings to begin their program. How she does may impact her sentence.

Dakota Leasure of 201 Pear St., Bethesda, pleaded guilty to theft, a fifth-degree felony occurring April 5. Sentencing was set for Aug. 15.

John Lawrence Nation, 20, of 117 Steuben St., Mingo Junction, pleaded guilty to robbery, a third-degree felony occurring June 13, 2015. His sentencing was set for Aug. 15.

Michele L. Staskey, 52, of 55063 St. Joe Merrett Road, Bellaire, was sentenced for possession of drugs, a fourth-degree felony occurring June 3, 2014. She was given 18 months in the penitentiary, suspended to three years of community controls. She will serve six months in jail.

The defense asked Fregiato to consider Staskey’s struggle with drug addiction, which began after she was prescribed pain medication after an injury.

Brian W. Turner, 48, of 222 South Marietta St., St. Clairsville, pleaded guilty to two counts of DUI, felonies of the fourth degree occurring March 27. Sentencing was set for Aug. 15.

Kiana Brien Wallace, 23, of 5075 Jefferson St., Bellaire, saw her probation revoked after testing positive for drugs and allegations of possession of drugs. She was originally convicted of trafficking in drugs, a third-degree felony occurring May 18, 2014. Her sentencing was set for Aug. 15.