A man who helped rob an Ironton bookie last winter was sentenced Wednesday in Lawrence County Common Pleas Court.

Scott Lewis, 31, of 2108 S. Seventh St., pleaded guilty back in March to a second-degree count of robbery, a charge that was reduced from a first-degree felony with the condition that he testify during the trial of Jason Adams.

Brigham Anderson, prosecuting attorney, said Lewis was cooperative with investigators and was remorseful of his involvement in the crime. He also said Lewis had no prior criminal record and deserved a lesser sentence than Adams and a third co-defendant in the case.

Anderson said the state previously made an agreement with Lewis that he would be sentenced to five years in prison with his cooperation.

Richard Wolfson, Lewis’ attorney, asked the court to accept that recommendation and consider a judicial release after four years with good behavior.

If Lewis is granted a judicial release, Wolfson said, “He will not disappoint the court.”

Lewis apologized to the court and to Sam Jones, the man he robbed.

“Mr. Jones is here and I want him to know I’m extremely sorry,” Lewis said.

He also apologized to his family.

“I’m usually the rock that’s there for my family, and now I’m not,” he said.

Judge Charles Cooper sentenced Lewis to five years in prison, three less than the maximum sentence.

“I too was impressed with the apparent candor of your testimony and the effort you gave towards justice in the whole sad situation,” Cooper told Lewis.

Lewis, as well as Adams and Edward Hampton Jr., were arrested last winter for robbing Jones in the parking lot of Central Christian Church.

Lewis testified during Adams’ trial that the plot to rob Jones was Adams’ idea.

Adams, who was found guilty by a jury and sentenced to nine years in prison back in December, maintained his innocence throughout the trial, claiming he didn’t know the robbery was going to take place and that he was also robbed and assaulted.