 Grantsville resident John M. Richards was sentenced yesterday to one year in Central Regional Jail for his participation in obtaining stolen goods.
Richards was granted a delay in his sentencing earlier, after a complaint that he had been "under pressure" when he entered into a plea agreement.
Calhoun prosecutor Matt Minney has objected to Richards continuing to use the legal system, delaying decisions and going through multiple attorneys.
Judge David W. Nibert declined to overturn Richards' plea agreement, sending him to CRJ to serve an estimated eight months left on his sentence, but that time could be further reduced.
The plea agreement was made after Richards indicated he had information regarding the Burns murder case in Roane County.
Richards' claims his evidence was not used in the case.
Richards testified under oath yesterday that he believed if he didn't have to testify in the Roane County murder case, he would not have to be sentenced in Calhoun.
Judge Nibert rejected his assumptions.
During Wednesday's two hour hearing Richards made numerous motions including, to recuse Judge Nibert, to continue the hearing, to suspend execution of the sentence, and following the judge's sentence, he moved for re-consideration.
All of his requests were denied.
Richards also has drug indictments from January, including attempting to operate a clandestine meth lab, one count, possession of pseudoephedrine with the intent to manufacture meth, two counts, conspiracy to operate a clandestine drug lab, one count.
Authorities arrested Richards in August, 2005 after Sgt. Tom Yanero, Trooper First Class Jeff Hunt and Grantsville Police Chief Ron Gordon obtained a search warrant for his south Grantsville residence.
At the time of the arrest, Sgt. Darrin Campbell of the WV State Police said a field test was positive for the presence of meth, while officers did a search of the property.
A search led by Trooper Hunt "observed a quantity of pseudoephedrine, along with plastic tubing, three bottles of Heet, three bottles of iodine, acetone and Coleman camp fuel."
Officer Hunt reported "the presence of a minor child, who is the natural child of the defendant's domestic partner, who was in the same vehicle that was used to transport the meth lab."
Richards faces several years in prison, up to a life sentence on the drug charges.
Since his arrest, Richards has distributed several video tapes which contain "educational information" regarding the manufacture and hazards of meth.
Richards claims he has been involved in a two-year war on the illegal substance, and has provided a chemical mix to some of the producers that "flops their batches," or neutralizes meth.
Richards says he has been involved with several other undercover individuals who have been active in a Meth Eradication Team (MET).
The tapes appeared to show drug deals being completed in Calhoun and Gilmer County, supposedly filmed with a hidden camera,
Richards and his associates have been publishing a newsletter called "The Lone Meth Ranger" and has developed an Internet blog which he has used to attack officials who have brought charges against him, including Circuit Judges Thomas Evans III and David Nibert, Calhoun prosecutor Matt Minney, Former Grantsville Police Chief Ron Gordon, among others.
Gordon is currently under investigation regarding possible wrongdoing.
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