Staff Writer

A Columbia man who fought with public safety officers trying to take him into custody in December was sentenced Monday to five years in prison.

Ronnie Brown, 29, of 32 Bethune Court, pleaded no contest to resisting arrest, meaning that he did not admit guilt but acknowledged there was enough evidence to support a guilty verdict if his case had gone to trial. Circuit Judge John C. Hayes III of Rock Hill gave Brown credit for 62 days he has served in the Union County Jail since his arrest.

A report said Brown tried to flee from investigators Brian Bailey, Mickey Parker, Charles Henderson and Robbie McGee, Cpl. Scott Coffer and Officer Mike Gregory when they tried to take him into custody at American Inn on Dec. 30. The officers received cuts, bruises and muscle injuries.

Brown was wanted for sexually molesting a 7-year-old girl on Oct. 17 in Columbia. Officers were told that Brown would be coming to the American Inn. Officers entered Brown's room with weapons drawn. Brown tried to grab Bailey's gun, but was unsuccessful. A struggle ensued and spread into the parking lot. A baton was used to get Brown to comply with commands to put his hands behind his back.

Brown's criminal sexual conduct charge will be handled in Richland County Court.

The following people pleaded guilty Monday in General Sessions Court:

Joseph Bishop, 306 Rice Ave., Union, to malicious damage to property over $1,000, one year suspended to one year probation, $500 to the public defender fund and restitution of $1,100.

Jason McGowan, 764 Beltline Road, Union, to violation of the South Carolina Gun Law, one year and $1,000 suspended to $200.

Ronald McGraw, 103 Marigold Drive, to forgery, given credit for time served.

Robert Rothman, 201 Lakeview Heights, Union, to possession of marijuana, 30 days or $150.

Lenwood Smith, 308 Alman St., Jonesville, to petit larceny, 30 days; to second-degree burglary, three years suspended to 90 days, two years probation and restitution of $328.50.