Carbon man given state prison term for firearms violation

A Carbon County man was sentenced to a state prison term on Monday after pleading guilty to a firearms charge.

Talon Wesly Lewis, 20, of Summit Hill, was sentenced by Judge Joseph J. Matika to serve 18 to 36 months in a state correction institution on a charge of firearms not to be carried without a license.

He was arrested on Jan. 21 by Summit Hill police following a traffic stop at Laurel Drive and the White Bear Hill.

Defense attorney Gregory L. Mousseau, chief public defender, said his client is “very intelligent” and cooperated with police in telling them he had a 9 mm handgun on him. Mousseau added, “He does better when he is in custody,” noting an extensive prior criminal record.

Lewis told Matika, “I do need to go to jail. I need help,” saying the state system offers the best help for his problems.

In addition to the prison term, Lewis was ordered to get both a drug and alcohol and mental health evaluations, supply a DNA sample, pay court costs of about $1,000 and render 75 hours of community service when released on parole.

Lewis, who has been in the county prison since his arrest, was given credit for 114 days already served.