A Proctorville man will serve six years in prison for burglary and theft. James W. Keller, 26, of 929 State Route 775, had previously pleaded guilty in Lawrence County Common Pleas Court to burglary, theft of drugs, grand theft, complicity to grand theft of a motor vehicle, and illegal use or possession of paraphernalia.

Judge Charles Cooper sentenced him Wednesday.

Keller’s attorney David Reid Dillon told the court his client was trying to help out a friend when the crimes occurred and asked for a lenient sentence.

Keller also addressed the judge.

“I’m not a bad person,” he told the court. “I don’t know. I don’t really know what to say right now.”

Keller told the court he intends to appeal the sentencing.

Also in court Wednesday, William M. Nickles, 33, of 94 C St., Lousia, Ky, pleaded guilty to attempted possession of drugs, a fifth-degree felony.

Cooper sentenced Nickles to four years of community-controlled sanctions. As part of his sanctions, Nickles is required to testify against his co-defendants.

The Lawrence County Drug/Major Crimes Task Force arrested Nickles along with four others during an August drug raid in the Country Hearth Motel in South Point. Nickles apologized to both the court and the police officers for his actions.

William Legrand, 33, of 11240 County Road 4, Waterloo, admitted he violated the terms of his community-controlled sanctions. Cooper sentenced Legrand to six months in prison.

Justin D. Wood, 21, of 1189 County Road 18, pleaded guilty to aggravated assault and contributing to the delinquency of a minor. Cooper sentenced Wood to four years of community-controlled sanctions that includes completing the STAR community justice program.

Timothy N. Oppy, 22, of 77 Morgan Drive, Lucasville, admitted he violated the terms of his community-controlled sanctions. Cooper sentenced Oppy to nine months in prison.