An Ironton man who twice broke into Holliday’s Quick Stop and a Pedro man who used deception to gain access to his victim’s house both entered guilty pleas Wednesday in Lawrence County Common Pleas Court.

Adam Stapleton, 25, of 126 Private Drive 3467, Ironton, admitted he broke into Holliday’s Quick Stop June 23 and again July 6. During both incidents he stole cigarettes. Judge D. Scott Bowling sentenced him to a total of two years in prison and ordered him to pay $3,940 in restitution, either severally or jointly with a cohort who has yet to be arrested.

Also Wednesday, Clinton Cremeans, 30, of 115 County Road 28, Pedro, pleaded guilty to one count of aggravated burglary and admitted he violated his probation when he was arrested for the burglary.

“He has two prior felony convictions, so he doesn’t believe it is in his best interest to go to trial,” Cremeans’ attorney, Roger Smith explained.

Bowling sentenced him to four years in prison. Assistant Lawrence County Prosecutor Bob Anderson said if Cremeans stays out of trouble while he is behind bars, the prosecutor’s office will not oppose judicial release after three years.

“I’m sorry I don’t know I don’t have nothing to say,” Cremeans told Bowling when the judge asked if he had anything to say.

He cried openly throughout the court proceeding and frequently looked back over his shoulder into the gallery at his mother, who also cried.

Bowling denied a request for a brief furlough before Cremeans is sent to prison.

Cremeans is accused of going with a cohort, Tara Adkins, to a Pedro home and asking to use the bathroom. Once inside they allegedly began to steal things from the homeowner. When Cremeans was arrested, authorities found a pocket knife.

Adkins, 27, of 115 Private Drive 2913, Pedro, pleaded guilty to her part in the case in August.

She was sentenced to four years community controlled sanctions under intensive supervised probation and was ordered to complete a rehabilitation program at the STAR Community Justice Center.