LISBON — A Steubenville man accused in a sex for hire case was sentenced to prison for nine months during a recent hearing in Columbiana County Common Pleas Court.

Matthew L. Withers, 35, had entered guilty pleas in January to fourth-degree felony attempted compelling prostitution, fourth-degree felony attempted illegal sexual conduct with a minor, and fifth-degree felony importuning. A charge of possessing criminal tools was being dismissed.

During the sentencing hearing, he received credit for one day served in the county jail and was designated a Tier II sex offender required to report his address to the sheriff’s office in the county where he resides after his release from prison. Withers was accused of requesting sexual conduct from an undercover agent posing as a 15-year-old female in exchange for $120, then coming to Salem with his phone on April 8, 2023 for the meeting.

Also in Common Pleas Court:

— Abby Willis, 29, Vine Street, East Liverpool, was placed under community control for three years and ordered to serve a term at the Eastern Ohio Correction Center until the program is completed for possession of cocaine, possession of heroin and possession of fentanyl-related compound, all fifth-degree felonies. Willis possessed cocaine on July 10, 2022 and possessed heroin and fentanyl on July 12, 2023.