James Lister, 50, of Galion (standing) was sentenced to 36 months in prison with a judicial release into treatment after serving six months. He is represented by attorney Ed Bibler (seated).

BUCYRUS—James Lister, 50, of Galion, was scheduled for trial on Friday when a new felony was charged.

Lister was free on a $5000.00 bond on a fifth-degree drug possession charge when he was charged with another charge of aggravated drug possession, a felony of the third degree punishable with up to 36 months in prison.

In a negotiated plea agreement, Lister pleaded guilty to the third-degree felony, and the State dropped the fifth-degree felony.

Crawford County Common Pleas Court Judge Sean Leuthold sentenced Lister to 36 months in prison with a judicial release after he serves six months in prison. Upon that release, he will enter a treatment program.

Leuthold spoke to a visibly emotional Lister, “We plan to help You, Mr. Lister. We will see you down their road in six months and get you into treatment,” Leuthold said.