A Laurel man was sentenced yesterday to three years in prison for his fourth alcohol-related driving conviction since 1987, court records show.

Carroll Circuit Judge Luke K. Burns Jr. suspended 18 months of the sentence of Charles E. Cox, 38, and ordered him to serve five years' probation after his release.

Burns said Cox may serve the sentence at the Frederick County Detention Center, if that facility accepts him.

Cox was stopped on Route 27 near Watersville Road in Mount Airy and arrested on charges of driving while intoxicated in January 1997.

Court records show Cox pleaded not guilty in February, but was convicted of driving while intoxicated.

Prosecutor Edward J. Puls said Cox's blood-alcohol level at that time was 0.19, about twice the legal limit.

The records show he was convicted of driving under the influence in 1987, 1988 and 1991.

Pub Date: 5/07/98