HAMILTON COUNTY — A West Frankfort man pled guilty Thursday in Hamilton County Court to criminal damage over $10,000 but less than $100,000 on charges stemming from damaging cable at a coal mine in the county.

According to Hamilton County State’s Attorney Justin Hood, 38-year-old Joseph Mitchell will serve a six year sentence on the Class 3 felony and once he is released, he will serve 1 year of mandatory supervised release.

Mitchell was charged after he and a juvenile had gone onto the Hamilton County Coal mine property and damaged three large spools of cable. He fled the scene after employees tried to stop him. He later crashed his truck and had to be taken to the hospital. A warrant was issued for his arrest and he was served with the warrant Tuesday.