IRONTON — James Brooks, 62, of 2316 Geswein Blvd., Ironton, pleaded guilty to 10 counts of drug charges stemming from two separate indictments Wednesday in Lawrence County Common Pleas Court.

Judge Scott Bowling sentenced him to a total of four years in prison and ordered him to forfeit a vehicle confiscated when he was arrested that authorities contend he used to peddle drugs. He was also fined more than $42,000.

His attorney, Derick Fisher, asked for a brief furlough for Brooks before he is sent to prison.

“He is in ill health. He has two children and three grandchildren he would like to spend time with. He has personal things he wants to take care of. He wants to see his family. It’s going to be some time before he is out of prison. He has a lesion on his lungs. He can barely hear, he has poor eyesight,” Fisher said.

Bowling denied the furlough but said a family visit could be arranged while he is at the Lawrence County Jail.