Western-Star.com

Morrow Vice Mayor York Bryant was sentenced Tuesday morning to three years probation and 30 days community service — and given a $1,500 fine — for illegally operating a gambling house, a felony because of a previous gambling conviction in 1989.

Warren County Assistant Prosecutor Mel Planas asked Common Pleas Court Judge Neal B. Bronson to impose jail time because the elected official violated his duty to serve the public. Bronson said Bryant's record did not warrant jail time.

During the two-day trail in a January, Planas said Bryant instructed a waitress to pay video poker game players for points or credits earned on four video poker machines at Papa's Restaurant, 6373 E. U.S. 22/Ohio 3.

Sheriff's deputies seized the machines and about $320 after a waitress paid state agents who played a game called Cherry 96 on Nov. 3 and Nov. 10, 2005. Bryant was at the restaurant on Nov. 10 and was convicted for that incident.

Bryant's attorney, John D. Smith, said they are considering filing an appeal with the 12th District Court of Appeals in Middletown.

Contact this reporter at (513) 696-4545 or dlockwood@coxohio.com.