A Lehighton man was sentenced to a long county prison term on Monday in Carbon County court for a robbery attempt. He was one of several defendants who previously pleaded guilty to criminal charges to be sentenced by Senior Judge Richard W. Webb.

Franklin incidentEvrin D. Kalkan, 26, was sentenced to serve a total of 11 to 23 months in jail followed by one year probation on charges of criminal attempt-robbery and unauthorized use of an automobile.Kalkan was arrested for an incident on Sept. 5, 2010, at the Lehighton One Stop in Franklin Township. He entered the business and demanded money. His defense counsel, Atty. Joseph D. Perilli, said it was not a well-throught out crime. He said Kalkan entered the business without a mask and was known to the people who worked there.The unauthorized use charge was for an incident the same day when he took the vehicle of Linda Lewis without her permission.Kalkan admitted to an alcohol problem and told Webb, "When I'm working, I'm an alright person."Webb also ordered Kalkan to get a drug and aclohol (D&A) evaluation and follow any recommendation for treatment, supply a DNA sample and pay the $250 fee, zero tolerance imposed on D&A use and he is to stay away from his victims.He was given credit for 139 days spent in jail to date on the charges.Other casesOther defendants sentenced by Webb included:Anthony Balzano, 66, of Bartonsville, was sentenced to serve three to one day less 24 months in the county prison on a charge of retail theft.He was arrested on May 9, 2009, outside the Country Junction Store in Towamensing Township by state police who responded to a report of a theft. Balzano stole a ferret from the store. When taken into custody a search of Balzano's vehicle was conducted and found was a handgun.Webb told the defendant, "Stealing a ferret is about the dumbest thing I ever heard."Balzano, who has a prior criminal record, is not allowed to possess a firearm. Webb noted that Balzano's prior record, althrough appearing to be extensive, was so long ago it could not be varied by the probation office.Balzano told Webb, "My conduct is inexcuseable. I take full responsibility."Balzano begins the jail term on Feb. 7 at 10 a.m.Clayton William Berger Jr., 23, of Lehighton, was placed on probation for two years on a charge of possession of a prohibited offensive weapon.He was arrested on June 4, 2010, in Franklin Township when he was found to have a shotgun in his possession.Webb also ordered he get a D&A evaluation, zero tolerance on D&A use and his license to carry a concealed weapon be lifted until he completes his probation period.Each defendant must also pay court costs and a $50 per month supervision fee while on probation or parole.