PARIS — A Norway man pleaded guilty Wednesday in Oxford County Superior Court to five Bethel burglaries.
Joshua McAllister, 21, pleaded guilty to the break-ins in the summer and fall of 2010. Five charges of theft by unauthorized taking or transfer were dismissed.
The burglaries took place in three different dwellings between July 30 and Sept. 15, 2010, according to Assistant District Attorney Joseph O’Connor. In the first break-in, McAllister forced entry through a garage window. In other break-ins he used a key or a card to pop door locks, O’Connor said.
He said McAllister stole several items, including alcohol.
Detective Christopher Wainwright of the Oxford County Sheriff’s Office investigated the break-ins. He spoke with McAllister and asked if he’d seen anything suspicious, O’Connor said.
McAllister admitted to breaking into places, and said he broke into one man’s home several times, using a Dunkin’ Donuts gift card to pop the door latch. O’Connor said McAllister told Wainwright he did it for the thrill. McAllister “was forthcoming and cooperative,” O’Connor said.
He returned what was stolen, O’Connor said, although some items were damaged from being left outside.
McAllister had no prior record. O’Connor recommended three years with all but 90 days suspended, three years of probation and $3,100 in restitution. “This short sentence will hopefully be a deterrent to Mr. McAllister,” O’Connor said.
Justice Robert Clifford handed down the recommended sentence. McAllister’s probation conditions bar contact with the victims as well as using drugs or alcohol.
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