ATHENS, Pa. – An Athens man received a sentence of up to 15 years in state prison on Monday, January 5, 2026, for a range of charges stemming from multiple arrests. Eric Joseph Derrig, 43, of Athens, was sentenced to a minimum of three years and a maximum of 15 years in state prison. The charges include driving under the influence of methamphetamine and marijuana, flight to avoid apprehension, possession of a controlled substance, and felony possession with intent to deliver between 2.5 and 10 grams of methamphetamine.
Extensive Criminal History Cited in Sentencing
Derrig’s sentencing is the result of numerous arrests and convictions by the Towanda Borough Police Department, the Athens Borough Police Department, and the Pennsylvania State Police. According to the Bradford County District Attorney’s Office, Derrig possesses a complex criminal history that dates back to the year 2000, encompassing offenses such as theft, trespass, and similar drug-related charges.
District Attorney Richard Wilson stated, “Derrig is an example of a person who has been a problem for the county’s criminal justice system for years and years and now needs to remain incarcerated in a state prison for any new offenses.”
Long-Term Supervision Mandated
Based on his recent conviction and extensive criminal record, the District Attorney’s Office deemed the 15-year maximum sentence appropriate. Derrig will remain under state supervision, whether incarcerated or on parole, until the year 2040. Failure to comply with the terms of his supervision or committing any new offenses during this period could result in his re-incarceration.
Previous Drug-Related Sentences in Bradford County
- David Michael Brown (47, Athens): Sentenced to 2 years and 4 months to 8 years in state prison for delivery of 4.9 grams of methamphetamine and 2.71 pounds of marijuana. Brown has a prior conviction for manufacturing methamphetamine in New York State. [northcentralpa.com](https://www.northcentralpa.com/news/man-sentenced-for-meth-weed-dealing/article_39defd25-043c-4209-8c16-6ce4b1d6d39d.html)
- Chad Michael McLinko (Athens): Arrested in November 2025 following a drug bust that uncovered over a quarter pound of meth, 17 grams of psilocybin mushrooms, and various drug paraphernalia. He faces charges including two counts of manufacture, delivery, or possession with intent to deliver, and multiple counts of possession of controlled substances and drug paraphernalia. [wbng.com](https://www.wbng.com/2025/11/18/athens-man-arrested-following-drug-bust-bradford-county/)
- Derek Hovan (29, Williamsport): Sentenced in September 2025 to 15 days to 18 months in Bradford County Correctional Facility, followed by 12 months probation, for endangering the welfare of children and drug paraphernalia. Methamphetamine was found in his vehicle during a police chase with two children present. [wbng.com](https://wbng.com/2025/09/01/williamsport-man-sentenced-endangering-children-drug-paraphernalia)
- James Carr (32, Towanda): Sentenced in February 2023 to 19 months to seven years in a Pennsylvania State Correctional Facility for possession with intent to deliver and possession of a controlled substance. [myhometowntoday.com](https://www.myhometowntoday.com/news/statewide/regional-news/local-news/bradford-county-court-sends-owego-and-towanda-men-to-pa-correctional-facitities)
These cases highlight ongoing efforts by law enforcement in Bradford County to combat drug-related offenses and ensure public safety.
Source: wbng.com
