POINT PLEASANT, W.Va. — Former Mason County Sheriff David L. Anthony has been sentenced to 18 months in jail.

Anthony appeared before Judge David Nibert on Monday for his sentencing in Mason County Circuit Court which had been continued from earlier in the month. The continuance was granted when Anthony failed to provide the court with a written apology to residents and office holders in Mason County which he agreed to in his plea bargain.

At that hearing earlier this month, Anthony’s Attorney David Moye took responsibility for the apology not being available in writing, saying he had advised Anthony to verbally go on the record with the apology during the court proceedings as opposed to writing the apology.

During Monday’s continuance of the sentencing hearing, it was noted Anthony had submitted a written apology to the court on May 2 and then also gave a verbal apology on the record before his sentencing. However, Judge Nibert said he felt Anthony didn’t seem remorseful and then sentenced him to 18 months in jail.

The sentencing order states for the crime of “brandishing,” Anthony is sentenced to six months in jail and a $500 fine which will run concurrently with a 100 day sentence for the crime of “shooting near a dwelling.” For the crime of “fraudulent scheme,” Anthony is sentenced to one year in jail which will run concurrently with his sentence of one year for the crime of “embezzlement.” This means Anthony was sentenced to a total of 18 months in jail for four misdemeanors. Anthony was originally faced with a 42-count indictment in January.

Anthony’s plea agreement also stated he relinquish his law enforcement certification to the state of West Virginia, resign from office, withdrawal from seeking reelection in the May primary and not seek any other elected office in the future, and, of course, write the apology to the citizens and officer holders.

Anthony’s written apology entered into the record reads as follows: “On a previous date, I had made a statement that other Mason County office holders had committed offenses similar to what I was charged with. I wish to apologize to the Mason County office holders and the citizens of Mason County for making the statement and creating a bad perception about those offices. I further apologize to the Court for failing to have the apology in writing at the date of my original sentencing.”

The statement Anthony referred to was made on his behalf by Moye after Anthony’s arraignment.

In relation to Anthony’s questionable charges on a county credit card, he has already paid back these charges in the amount of $2,435.

Anthony was immediately taken into custody and was to be transported to the Western Regional Jail to serve his sentence.

A family spokesperson for Anthony released the following statement Monday: “This is obviously a difficult time for our family. We appreciate the prayers and support we’ve received and ask you to keep our family in your prayers.”