OHIO COUNTY, W.Va.—

Ohio County Judge David Sims handed down his sentencing today to Joshua Bowman, the man who burglarized 34 homes in Ohio County from 2009 to 2011.

“I was doing drugs at the times, and I’m just really sorry. I’m sorry,” said Bowman as he addressed a crowd of victims whose homes he burglarized.

Bowman pleaded guilty earlier this year to five counts of burglary, three counts of conspiracy to commit burglary and one count of bringing stolen items into the state.

“This was a broad investigation, and Mr. Bowman was a big piece of that puzzle, but there are some other pieces left, and we are going to make sure that is completed," said Sgt. Doug Ernest with the Ohio County Sheriff’s Office.

Victims got their chance to speak to the judge and Bowman before sentencing.

“He stole things from us that were passed down from generations; all we had left from family members. He stole them and pawned them away for whatever. These are things that can never be replaced, things that had sentimental value to them," said Gary Kestner.

“After the robbery, my kids were so afraid to sleep in their own bedrooms that we ended up having to move in order to alleviate their fears," said another victim.

Bowman won’t be eligible for parole for at least nine years.

He is currently serving a sentence at the Northern Regional Jail after being convicted in Marshall County of burglary earlier this year.