ST. CLAIRSVILLE — Michael Shane Burriss was sentenced Monday for trafficking in methamphetamines and possession of methamphetamines in July.

Belmont County Common Pleas Judge John Vavra imposed two years of community controls for each count, to be served concurrently for a total of two years. Burriss, 39, of 109 Overlook Court, St. Clairsville, will serve up to six months in jail with credit for 40 days served. He also will serve six months at the Eastern Ohio Corrections Center.

Vavra cited Burriss’ substance abuse issues and prior felony convictions for trafficking in cocaine and misdemeanor convictions for operating a vehicle under the influence as he handed down his sentence.

“He has not responded favorably to prior punishments he’s received,” Vavra said. “This was part of an organized criminal plan on his part. There’s a substance abuse history.”

Vavra said according to state legislation, Burriss is not eligible for a prison sentence.

In other matters, no plea agreement was reached in the case of Devin Michael Carpenter, 26, who is serving time in prison until 2027. His last known address was 422 N. Ninth St., Coshocton, Ohio. His trial remains set for Feb. 27. Another plea hearing was set for Feb. 10. Carpenter is accused of receiving stolen property, trafficking in counterfeit controlled substances and possession of drugs,all occurring April 17. The charges stem from a controlled drug buy in Belmont.

The sentencing hearing for Erik Bartnicki, 38 and incarcerated, was postponed until next Monday. Last week, Bartnicki pleaded guilty to gross sexual imposition. A pre-sentence investigation, victim impact statement and EOCC evaluation were ordered.

He would be designated a Tier 1 sex offender and required to register once a year in his county of residence for a term of 15 years.

The reported victim is an adult woman known to Bartnicki, and the incident reportedly occurred at her Martins Ferry home.