ST. CLAIRSVILLE – Deborah K. Brown, widow of murdered former Powhatan Point Mayor Marvin Brown, appeared before Belmont County Court of Common Pleas Judge Frank Fregiato Monday for sentencing regarding theft and tampering with evidence.

Deborah Brown, 61, was sentenced to serve one to three years in prison. In the issue of restitution, prosecutors said they could not produce a definite figure of loss. Brown waived her interest in the estate and any interest in the life insurance policy.

Marvin Brown was found with a fatal gunshot wound two years ago.

Monday, Marvin Brown’s son, Mike Brown, spoke on behalf of the Brown family and his late father about the sense of betrayal due to what he called the greed and deceit on the part of Deborah Brown and her and her family.

“He was lied to and stolen from,” Marvin Brown said.

He added that she has still not named any accomplices who might have aided in forging the financial records.

“You shed more tears the day you pled guilty than you did at Dad’s funeral,” Marvin Brown told Deborah Brown. “If you felt any remorse or reaction, you don’t show it. You never forgive someone who has shown no remorse.”

Marvin Brown also discussed the lasting grief of never having a final conversation with his father.

“This case has had an impact on us.”

Defense attorneys asked Fregiato to consider the attempts to make restitution, adding that cash was withdrawn throughout their 15 years of marriage. This was a case of theft and falsification of documents, with nothing to do with Marvin Brown’s death.

Deborah Brown spoke briefly, as she said the marriage was a loving one and she believed their family was a happy one.

“It’s a relief to know how they really feel about me after all this time, and I’m sorry that things ended this way,” she said.

Fregiato said the circumstances surrounding the crime demanded a prison sentence.

“I find it incredibly interesting that at least part, if not most, of the money was used for drug dealers and poker machines,” he said. “It is estimated that over $100,000 was stolen from Powhatan Construction. I don’t know where and how it happens in our society when one thinks that one can steal over $100,000 and perhaps not go to prison. That’s not going to happen here. When you steal over $100,000, and especially when you use it for drug dealers and poker machines, you go to prison.”