An area man was sentenced to prison for his fourth offense of driving while intoxicated.

After reviewing a Sentencing Assessment Report provided by the Department of Probation and Parole, Judge Zel Fischer sentenced Roger D. Burson to three years in the Department of Corrections with the court retaining jurisdiction for placement in a 120-day substance abuse program through the DOC.

After 90 days in the program, Judge Fischer will review an evaluation provided by the DOC and determine whether Burson will serve the remainder of the sentence or be placed on probation.
Burson had been charged with the class C felony driving while intoxicated –– an aggravated offender.

In other court business:

• Cynthia Hayes appeared in court Wednesday on three counts of class C felony child molestation in the first degree. After hearing testimony from one witness, the court found sufficient evidence to order the defendant to stand trial. She was bound over to trial and will appear before Judge Prokes at 1 p.m., Sept. 8.

A jury trial is set for 9 a.m., Jan. 8 and 9, for Kathy Strough who is charged with two felony counts of theft of property valued at $500 or more, but less than $25,000 and one felony count of stealing with a credit card.

• Nicholas Bradley appeared before Judge Fischer Wednesday on a class
C felony charge of possession of a controlled substance. Bradley waived formal arraignment, pleading not guilty to the charge. He is to reappear at 1:30 p.m., Oct. 15, for a status review of the case when he could either change his plea or his case will be set for trial.

• Haley Comer waived formal arraignment and pleaded not guilty to a class C felony charge of possession of a controlled substance. She is to reappear at 1:30 p.m., Oct. 15, for a status review of the case.