A Sibley arson turned burglary case is now closed — the remaining three arrested in connection to the case entered pleas of guilty in district court Friday.
Cory Gordon, 23, originally was charged with felony theft, conspiracy to commit arson, simple burglary and conspiracy to commit burglary.
He entered a plea of guilty to simple burglary in front of 26th Judicial District Judge Charles Jacobs Friday. He was sentenced to four years suspended with two years of active supervised probation. He must pay $500 plus court costs and $1,800 in restitution to the victim. He must also obtain his GED. His case will be reviewed May 13, 2016.
Ronald Samuel Hightower, 17, was originally charged with simple arson, conspiracy to commit simple arson, simple burglary, conspiracy to commit simple burglary and theft over $500.
He entered a plea of guilty to simple burglary. He was sentenced to five years suspended, three years active supervised probation, $1,000 fine plus court costs, and he must pay $1,800 in restitution to the victim. His case will be reviewed May 13, 2016.
Shelton Layfield, 24, was originally charged with simple arson, conspiracy to commit simple arson, burglary and conspiracy to commit burglary. He entered a plea of guilty to simple burglary. He was sentenced to five years suspended, three years of active supervised probation, plus $1,000 in fines plus court costs. He must pay $1,800 in restitution to the victim. A review has been set for May 13, 2016.
William Adkins, 19, was originally charged with simple arson, conspiracy to commit arson, simple burglary and conspiracy to commit simple burglary.
Assistant District Attorney Hugo Holland says Adkins pleaded guilty to simple burglary and must pay restitution as well. He was sentenced to five years suspended, with three years active supervised probation. He must pay $1,000 in fines plus court costs and pay $1,800 in restitution to the victim. He must also obtain his GED.
“They all four pled guilty as charged to burglary,” he said. “Burglary is not breaking into a house and stealing. Burglary is the ‘unauthorized entry of a structure with the intent to commit a felony or theft therein,’ and in this case, the felony they intended to commit was arson. They are all first offenders, and got probation with a special condition that the victim be made whole–there is several thousand in restitution due to her.”
Sibley Police Chief Jeremy Robinson said at the time of their arrests the four took responsibility for a break-in and vandalism of a house on SE 1st Street. He says they also admitted to breaking into the house across the street from where they were living. At the time, the house was for sale. This is also the house they were reported to have set afire.