A Flatwoods, Ky., man avoided prison time Wednesday when he pleaded guilty in Lawrence County Common Pleas Court to improper handling of a firearm in a motor vehicle and asked for treatment in lieu of sentencing.

Dale E. Mayo, 50, was charged in late February with driving while intoxicated and the firearm charge. Judge D. Scott Bowling ordered Mayo to successfully complete a rehabilitation program at the STAR Community Justice Center followed by intensive monitoring by the Adult Probation Agency and post-release counseling. If he stays out of trouble for a year, his charge will be dismissed. Treatment in lieu of sentencing is available only to people who have fourth or fifth degree felonies and who have not been arrested for trafficking in drugs.

“I believe he is a prime candidate for this,” his attorney, Mike Davenport told Bowling.

Mayo thanked the judge for the opportunity and added, “May God bless you.”

Assistant Lawrence County Prosecutor Bob Anderson objected to the treatment in lieu of sentence, saying a prison sentence was more appropriate.

Also Wednesday, Larry W. Miller, 36, of 27 Township Road 1258, pleaded guilty to charges of importuning and sexual imposition.

Bowling ordered him to successfully complete a program at the STAR Community Justice Center and sentenced him to five years community control sanctions under intensive supervised probation (CCS/ISP). Bowling ordered Miller to register as Tier 1 sex offender for the next 15 years and have co contact with his 15-year-old victim.

He is accused of soliciting a 15-year-old-girl to engage in sexual conduct with him and then having sexual conduct with the girl. If he violates the terms of his probation, he could be sentenced to 11 months in prison.

Amanda D. Roberts, 23, of 164 Township Road 1086, South Point, pleaded guilty to one count of trafficking in marijuana. Bowling sentenced her to successfully complete a rehabilitation program at the Linda Center and four years CCS/ISP. She must forfeit her driver’s license six months and pay a $2,500 fine.