Sentencing took place Thursday for Frank E. Bryant during Harlan Circuit Court proceedings.

Bryant, 31, appeared before Judge Ron Johnson on a first-degree trafficking a controlled substance charge (first offense) and was sentenced to five years with conditional probation.

Johnson said Bryant's probation will only take effect after he has been paroled on a 15-year sentence he's currently serving. Johnson added that his probation will also be contingent upon successful completion of drug court.

Bryant was taken back into custody, but Johnson ordered for him to be evaluated for drug court participation.

As the judge was leaving for court recess, a woman on Bryant's behalf stood up with words of appreciation for Johnson.

“I hope that it will be reported that you do see things and take into consideration a lot of stuff, and that you deal fairly with people,” the woman stated.

At that time, local attorney Otis Doan, who was in court for another case, turned to a reporter and asked if the complimentary words for the judge were going to be printed.

“They want to say everything negative about him,” Doan told the reporter. “Won't you say something positive ... and you can quote Otis Doan on that.”

In other circuit court action Thursday:

-- Gill Smith Jr., 36, appeared in court to be sentenced on two counts of trafficking a controlled substance within 1,000 yards of a school. Johnson voiced his disapproval with Smith after learning he hadn't been attending Celebrate Recovery and that he had also been charged with DUI. Smith, who also has custody of his 10-year-old son, asked for another chance. “I tried my best and that's the honest truth,” he said. “I need this chance, your honor.”

Johnson said the case needed to be set for a jury trial, and the judge also stated Smith's was more of a case for shock probation. “I think you need to see the inside of a jail,” Johnson told Smith. Felons who are shock probated, Johnson noted, have to serve at least four to six months before they are considered for probation. Johnson described shock probation as a “tool” designed for young people or first-time offenders not involved with violent situations.

After a lengthy meeting with his attorney, Smith appeared before the judge again, asking for a delay in his sentencing so that he can make preparations for his child. Johnson set down a sentencing date for Sept. 12.

-- Debra J. Saylor, 38, was sentenced to five years for first-degree trafficking a controlled substance. She was credited for serving 367 days. The court ruled that probation would not be granted at this time.

-- George Abbott, 24, was sentenced to a total of two years in prison on charges of fleeing or evading police and driving on a DUI-suspended license (first offense).

-- Geoffrey Hoskins, 31, was sentenced to a total of one year on charges of fourth-degree assault of a police officer, resisting arrest, disorderly conduct, third-degree criminal mischief and menacing. Johnson granted shock probation for a period of five years, with the first year under supervision. Hoskins had already served 170 days. Johnson ordered Hoskins to enroll in a GED program within 10 days, to attend Celebrate Recovery and AA during the full term of his probation, to abide by a curfew and to pay restitution to the Kentenia Church of God.

-- Clyde Daniels Jr., 35, was sentenced to a total of six years on charges of receiving stolen property over $300, theft by deception and first-degree complicity to traffic a controlled substance. Commonwealth Attorney Henry Johnson said he had no objection to probation after 90 days.

-- Tina M. Jones, 24, was sentenced to a total of two years on charges of operating a motor vehicle while under the influence, driving a motor vehicle while license is suspended, theft by unlawful taking (over $300) and first-degree possession of a controlled substance. Johnson did not approve probation because of new charges she has in district court.

-- Jeanna Absher, 29, appeared in court on charges of first-degree trafficking a controlled substance (first offense) and engaging in organized crime. Henry Johnson recommended a five-year sentence. A change of plea hearing was scheduled for Oct. 27. Absher's attorney, Chris Miniard, asked that she be evaluated for drug court.

In circuit court action occurring on Tuesday:

-- William Alred, 32, appeared in court on a first-degree trafficking a controlled substance charge. A jury trial was set for Sept. 28.

-- Ann Maggard, 30, appeared in court on forgery, complicity to commit forgery, fraudulent use of a credit card and tampering with physical evidence charges. Henry Johnson is discussing a plea agreement with the court and the victim. The victim also spoke during court proceedings. A jury trial was set for Sept. 27.

-- Bobby Sizemore, 26, appeared in court on a receiving stolen property (over $300) charge. A change of plea hearing was set for Aug. 29.

-- Michael Bowling Sr., 52, pleaded guilty on first-degree fleeing or evading police and first-degree wanton endangerment charges. Henry Johnson recommended dismissing the fleeing or evading police charge. A sentencing date was set for Sept. 26.

-- Gregory W. Bennett, 42, appeared in court for a change of plea hearing. He is charged with theft of identity of another without consent, second-degree forgery and tampering with physical evidence. Johnson said he would announce at a later date whether or not the court will accept the plea agreement. Bennett faces a three-year sentence.

-- Ralph Eddie Turner, 41, appeared in court for a change of plea hearing. Turner pleaded guilty to an amended charge of possession of marijuana, a Class B misdemeanor. A tampering with physical evidence charge was dismissed for lack of proof. A status conference was set for Sept. 1 to determine if court costs and other fines have been paid.

-- Russell Lee Jones, 49, appeared in court on charges of receiving stolen property, being a convicted felon in possession of a firearm and second-degree being a persistent felony offender. A jury trial date was continued for Nov. 9 so that one of the officers in the case can be present.

-- Joshua R. Noe, 21, appeared in court for a change of plea hearing. Noe pleaded guilty to an amended charge of receiving stolen property under $300. He was sentenced to 12 months, which was probated for 24 months. Johnson ordered Noe to pay all recoupment fees, to enroll in a GED program and to graduate within 12 months, to undergo a drug test once a month and to enroll in AA.