Frank Lewis | Daily Times

Joshua Charles (left) and attorney Michael Mearan in Judge Howard H. Harcha, III’s courtroom Wednesday morning. Charles, a former Portsmouth Daily Times employee was sentenced to three years probation for felony theft of money from the sale of paper belonging to the Daily Times.

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Frank Lewis

PDT Staff Writer

A former Portsmouth Daily Times employee charged with felony theft (F-5) in connection with a series of thefts from the newspaper, has been sentenced to community control.

Joshua Charles, 32, who now lives in London, Ohio, looked directly at Portsmouth Daily Times General Manager Michael Messerly, Wednesday morning in the courtroom of Judge Howard H. Harcha, III and said he was sorry for his crime and that he would not do it again. Defense attorney Michael Mearan told Harcha that Charles had accepted the responsibility for his actions and had no prior felony convictions.

In December of 2012 Charles entered a guilty plea to a charge of theft of at least $4,800, by pocketing money from the recycling of paper from the Portsmouth Daily Times. The Daily Times has since received a restitution check from Attorney Mike Mearan in the amount of $4,800.

Both the defense and the state — represented by Assistant Scioto County Attorney Matthew Wisecup — had, prior to sentencing, agreed to a sentence of three years community control, which Harcha said carried with it, the agreement not to use alcohol or drugs. In addition, Charles was fined $300 plus costs and prosecution. Harcha also told him, should he break parole, he would be sentenced to 11 months in prison.

Frank Lewis may be reached at 740-353-3101, ext. 252, or at flewis@civitasmedia.com