At a glance:

¯ James McKnight was sentenced to five years of community control.

¯ He pleaded guilty in January to attempted improperly discharging firearm at or into a habitation.

¯ He was indicted in March 2020 on three charges.

¯ McKnight was ordered to undergo drug and mental health assessment.

Source: Washington County Court of Common Pleas.

Five years of community control was the sentence passed down Friday to a Marietta man for “attempted improperly discharging firearm at or into a habitation.”

James Allen McKnight, 45, of 152 Riverview Drive, Marietta, pleaded guilty in January to the reduced third-degree felony charge, while two other charges, including two counts of unlawful possession of dangerous ordnance – illegally manufacturing or processing explosives, both fifth-degree felonies, were dismissed as part of the plea agreement.

He could have received a maximum of 36 months in prison.

On March 4, 2020, Marietta Police officers reportedly were contacted to perform a welfare check on McKnight’s Colegate Drive residence. After a search of the premises, officers found bullet holes exiting a window that appeared as if the bullet would have struck a neighbor’s house.

A search warrant was executed and firearms and a homemade explosive device were recovered.

In March 2020, McKnight pleaded not guilty by reason of insanity and two months later, was found to be capable of standing trial.

Defense counsel Beau Cross and Special Prosecuting Attorney Kelly Riddle agreed to the five years of community control, with credit for the almost year McKnight already spent in jail.

Riddle said McKnight’s firearm will be returned to his mother.

She said as part of the plea agreement, McKnight would have no contact with the victim, but she requested he receive drug and alcohol counseling.

Washington County Common Pleas Judge Mark Kerenyi said he would order an assessment for mental health as well as drugs and alcohol.

McKnight said nothing on his own behalf during the proceedings.

The Washington County Prosecutor’s office was recused from the case due to a conflict of interest.

Michele Newbanks can be reached at mnewbanks@mariettatimes.com.