A Lehighton man was sentenced to state prison on Friday in Carbon County court after pleading guilty to a drug charge.

Charles Holten, 42, was sentenced by Judge Steven R. Serfass to serve 40 to 80 months in state prison on a charge of possession with intent to deliver a controlled substance - methamphetamine. He also entered pleas in two other cases to one count each of false reports and criminal mischief.

Holten was arrested on the drug count on April 9, 2018, by Lehighton police following a drug investigation. Police received information that Holten was dealing drugs and set up a controlled buy using a confidential informant. The buy was made at South and 3rd streets.

The false report incident occurred on Oct. 7, 2019, in Lehighton. Police were investigating the theft of a rifle from a borough resident and went to Holten’s home where the gun was found. Holten denied any knowledge of the theft but later admitted he gave false information when questioned.

The mischief incident occurred on Aug. 26, 2021, in Lehighton. Police responded to an area of Iron Street for a report of vandalism to vehicles. Holten was found on scene and involved in the incident.

Holten had entered the county’s drug treatment court program but was terminated from it when he could not complete the program. He spent 307 days in aa inpatient drug treatment program.

Court-appointed defense counsel Adam Weaver said his client had a troubled life, in and out of foster case and experiencing abuse. He also has mental health issues.

In addition to the prison term, Serfass ordered Holten to make restitution totaling $3,093.95, get both drug and alcohol and mental health evaluations, attend and successfully complete an anger management course, supply a DNA sample and pay court costs of more than $1,000.

He was given credit for a total of 319 days served. He will report to the county prison on Oct. 14, then be transferred to a state prison to begin his sentence.