The judge assured a defendant that his sentencing Wednesday may seem like the worst day of his life, but may actually save it.

Jerry Massie, 29, of 1719 Campbell Drive, Ironton, is now awaiting transfer to a drug rehabilitation facility after pleading guilty to theft in Lawrence County Common Pleas Court.

Judge Charles Cooper told Massie he would be sent to the SEPTA Correctional Facility in Nelsonville to undergo treatment for his cocaine habit.

Massie’s attorney, Mike Gleichauf, told the judge his client admitted to having a drug problem and was ready to get help.

“Until you decide there is a problem, there is very little any of us can do besides punish you,” Cooper said.

In addition to the SEPTA program, Massie was sentenced to four years community-controlled sanctions with intensive supervised probation (CCS/ISP). If Massie fails to complete the drug program, he could be sent to prison for 17 months.

In other cases:

• Dallas Young, 53, of 114 Township Road 1376, Ironton, pleaded guilty to a misdemeanor count of using weapons while intoxicated.

Cooper sentenced Young to 180 days in the county jail suspended to two years of probation. Young must also forfeit his firearms to the state and is not allowed to live in a residence where firearms are kept during his probation period.

Young was represented by attorney Warren Morford.

• Bobby Taylor, 34, of 514 Buckhorn St., Ironton, pleaded guilty to fifth-degree possession of cocaine.

Other counts of misdemeanor domestic violence and having weapons under a disability were dropped.

Cooper sentenced Taylor to one year in prison, a one-year driver’s license suspension, a $1,250 fine and gave him credit for time served.

Taylor was represented by attorney J.T. Holt.

• On Friday, Anthony Adams, 30, of 1937 Township Road 250, South Point, pleaded guilty to two counts of second-degree burglary.

Cooper sentenced Adams to five years in prison for both counts, to be served concurrently.

Adams said he wanted to appeal the decision. Cooper appointed attorney Mike Gleichauf to handle the appeal.