Two Coal Grove men bypassed the grand jury and a trial Wednesday by pleading guilty to charges against them according

to the Lawrence County Prosecutor’s Office.

Ben Smith, 27, 920 High St., signed a bill of information admitting to a single count of breaking and entering.

Lawrence County Common Pleas Court Judge Richard Walton sentenced Smith to eight months in prison and ordered him to pay $550 to his victim. Smith is accused of breaking into the Ironton Barber Shop.

Also Wednesday, Jimmy Ray Hanshaw, 38, 700 Marion Pike, signed a bill of information, admitting to a single count of theft from the elderly.

Walton sentenced Hanshaw to four years community controlled sanctions and ordered him to successfully complete a program at STAR Community Justice Center.

Hanshaw must also pay restitution to his victim. If he violates the terms of his probation, he could be sentenced to 17 months in prison.