George W. Ash represented by David Frame withdrew his not guilty plea and entered into a plea of guilty on Monday, June 7 before Judge Mark A. Karl.

Ash signed the plea agreement in court that day and provided statements of his history of drug and alcohol use.

Ash pleaded guilty to count one of the indictment which charged him with the felony offense of operating or attempting to operate a clandestine drug laboratory, by assembling chemicals and equipment for the purpose of manufacturing methamphetamine upon real estate located at Rt. 1 Box 641, Greenwood, WV.

He also pleaded guilty to count three of the indictment which charges him with the felony offense of exposure of children to methamphetamine manufacturing by knowingly causing minor children to be present in a location where methamphetamine is manufactured or attempted to be manufactured. Count two of the indictment was dismissed upon plea agreement.

Ash claimed that alcohol contributed to the drug charges against him and requested alcohol counseling.

Judge Karl sentenced Ash to serve two to ten years for count one of the indictment and one to five years for count three of the indictment to be served at Division of Corrections. Count two was dismissed. The sentences are to be served concurrent and Ash was given credit for time served.

Judge Karl released Ash on his former bond and allowed him 15 days to get his affairs in order. Ash is to self report to North Central Regional Jail on June 22 at 6 p.m. Judge Karl told Ash he would consider modification after he serves a year.Also appearing before Judge Karl was Sebastian J. E. Rosenlieb.

His attorney, John Butler stated to Judge Karl that additional discoveries have been filed and he requested time to inspect the discoveries.

Karl granted the request and continued the case until the next term of court. Judge Karl ordered him to return on July 9 at 9 a.m. His bond was continued.