BRIAN L. Williamson

ST. CLAIRSVILLE — Brian Lewis Williamson will serve the maximum of 16 to 24 years in prison for two counts of second-degree felony felonious assault after a two-day jury trial resulted in a verdict of guilty.

Belmont County Common Pleas Judge John Vavra imposed the sentence.

Belmont County Chief Assistant Prosecutor Kevin Flanagan asked Vavra to consider Williamson’s prior convictions as well as well as subsequent probation violations, and to impose a high sentence.

“All forms of community control have absolutely failed,” Flanagan said, adding the two victims suffered serious injuries.

“Both have essentially metal plates in their bodies that will never be removed because of Mr. Williamson,” Flanagan said. “The defendant has had a history, essentially a lifetime, of second chances.”

Afterward, he said charges stem from an incident at a residence outside of Martins Ferry.

“He got into an argument with one of the females at the residence and ultimately broke her arm. Then (a friend) showed up to transport the female from the residence, and he struck that (man) in the face,” Flanagan said, adding that the arm and jawbones were “shattered.”

Williamson’s defense attorney, Aaron Miller, said the assault was brought on by the conduct of a victim. He said the majority of Williamson’s most recent offenses were drug related and misdemeanors.

“Justice is punishment tempered by mercy. That’s what he seeks,” Miller said.

Vavra reviewed the prior records, pointing out that Williamson, 37, of 205 11th St. Martins Ferry, had a very high risk level according to the pre-sentence investigation. Vavra said Williamson had two past felony convictions related to drugs and a prison sentences for aggravated assault. Vavra also noted Williamson’s reported gang affiliation and numerous violations during his prior prison sentences, his history of substance abuse and lack of remorse.

He imposed a sentence of eight to 12 years for each count, to be served consecutively.

“He caused serious physical harm to two innocent people in this case,” Vavra said. “There’s no showing whatsoever that either of these people showed any aggression toward him to justify … the appropriateness of his conduct.”

Miller said Williamson would appeal the matter.

Flanagan commended the victims for taking the witness stand and testifying. He also credited the Belmont County Sheriff’s Office and the Martins Ferry Police Department for their investigation.

In other matters, Dale Gordon, 60, of 37275 Flat Rock Road, Barnesville, appeared before Belmont County Common Pleas Judge Frank Fregiato that morning and entered guilty pleas to two counts of first-degree rape, dating from January 2016. His sentence was set for Sept. 4.

According to the prosecutor’s office, the victims were all younger than 13 at the time and known to Gordon. The reported offenses took place in the Barnesville area and came to the attention of law enforcement when an alleged victim disclosed the matter.