Sean Christian Barton, a 27-year-old Keysville man, ruined his chance to avoid a felony conviction by failing to successfully complete probation for a deferred adjudication in Lunenburg Circuit Court for possession of Schedule II drug, according to Commonwealth’s Attorney Robert Clement.

Barton was found to be in violation of good behavior by being convicted in Prince Edward County recently of distribution of methamphetamine, a Schedule II drug, for which he received an active three-year prison sentence.

“In Lunenburg, Judge Leslie Osborn imposed a five-year sentence with all suspended upon the condition that he successfully complete the Detention Center Program of the Department of Corrections, a boot-camp style of incarceration, and the Diversion Center Program which focuses on job training and counseling,” said Clement.

“Barton had been given the chance in July 2015 to avoid the felony drug possession conviction under the first offender statute as a deferred adjudication if he had successfully complied with the terms of his probation, including good behavior, counseling and community service.”

The original Lunenburg charge against Barton arose on July 10, 2014, when a search warrant was served at the home of Joe Martin Camp, in Lunenburg, which led to the seizure of marijuana plants and charges against Camp. Barton was at the home as a visitor. Officers found a small amount of methamphetamine in the possession of Barton consistent with personal use.

The defendant will be subject to conditions of a suspended sentence of five years including good behavior for five years, supervised probation for three years and completing the correctional programs successfully, Clement said.