LIVINGSTON--District Attorney Scott M. Perrilloux reports that the following individuals appeared in court on July 19, before Judge Robert Morrison and either pleaded guilty or no contest or were found guilty of the following crimes and received the following sentences:

Nicole Harris Pierce, 35, of Hammond, pleaded no contest to misdemeanor Theft. She was sentenced to six months in the parish jail. The sentence was suspended and Pierce was placed on two years of probation. She must also pay a $350 fine, court costs and restitution.

Darrel Wayne Arnold, 46, of Holden, pleaded no contest to Possession of Schedule II Controlled Dangerous Substances. He was sentenced to two years with the department of corrections. The sentence was suspended and Arnold was placed on two years of probation. He must also pay a $350 fine and court costs, as well as undergo a substance abuse evaluation.

John M. Ballard, 21, of Denham Springs, pleaded no contest to Theft under $500, and Introducing or Possessing Contraband in any Municipal or Parish Prison or Jail. He was sentenced to six months in the parish jail for the first offense, and three years with the department of corrections for the second.

Melissa A. Howze, 28, of Pine Grove, pleaded no contest to Criminal Mischief, and Simple Criminal Damage to Property. She was sentenced to six months in the parish jail for each offense. The sentence was suspended and Howze was placed on two years of probation. She must also pay court costs, restitution, and $1,000 in fines, as well as undergo a substance abuse evaluation.

Stephen P. Hatfield, 24, of Baton Rouge, pleaded no contest to Theft under $500. He was sentenced to six months in the parish jail. The sentence was suspended and Hatfield was placed on two years of probation.

Jerry Wayne Miller, 62, of Denham Springs, was sentenced to 18 years with the department of corrections for Manslaughter.

Michael E. Stewart, 43, of Holden, pleaded no contest to Possession of Schedule II Controlled Dangerous Substances. He was sentenced to two years with the department of corrections. The sentence was suspended and Stewart was placed on two years of probation. He must also pay a $350 fine and court costs, as well as undergo a substance abuse evaluation.

Thor N. Teal, 22, of Walker, pleaded no contest to Attempted Possession of a Firearm or Carrying a Concealed Weapon. He was sentenced to seven years with the department of corrections.