Judges in Mercer County Common Pleas Court gave out jail and prison sentences or probation to these

Judges in Mercer County Common Pleas Court gave out jail and prison sentences or probation to these people:

James Austin, 61, of Davis Drive, Sharpsville, placed on a one-year probation for misdemeanor simple assault. According to court documents, he struck a woman on the side of her head, causing her to fall to the ground Jan. 13, 2007, at Jerry’s Tavern, 111 W. Main St., Sharpsville. Her eardrum was damaged and she suffered a bruised back and legs.

Darren Gibson, 38, of Hoon Avenue, Farrell, sentenced to 18 months to three years in jail for three counts of misdemeanor retail theft. Court documents state that on Aug. 30, 2006, he stole two cases of beverages valued at $12 from Sheetz, 2381 S. Hermitage Road, Hermitage. Then on Sept. 10, 2006, he took a $20 box of cigars from McQuaid’s Service, 1050 Sharon-New Castle Road, Farrell. And on March 31, 2007, he stole two packs of lobster valued at $26 from Aldi Foods, 2909 E. State St., Hermitage.

Michael Hodges, 24, of Butler, sentenced to one to two years in state prison for misdemeanor theft by deception. He accepted $100 cash from a confidential informant for purchase of cocaine without delivering the drug Aug. 5, 2006, court documents state.

Nathan Roberts, 28, of East Shenango Street, Sharpsville, placed on a one-year probation and ordered to make restitution for misdemeanor theft by deception. Court documents state he used his home computer to open three credit accounts in the names of two other people without their permission.

Bennie Richard, 46, of Wallis Avenue, Farrell, sentenced to 16 months to five years in prison for felony retail theft. Court documents state that Richard stole five packages of T-shirts valued at $32 from Family Dollar, 100 S. Water Ave., Sharon, on April 19, 2007. The offense is a felony because it is his third or subsequent offense.