In 4th Judicial District Court Thursday morning, 20-year-old Brandon Jones went before Judge John Fenn for arraignment. Jones pleaded not guilty to one count of burglary and one count of aggravated burglary after being arrested July 27th in connection with string of burglaries in the Ranchester area. A trial has been scheduled for next February 3rd and 4th, and if found guilty, he faces a maximum of 10 years in prison, a $10,000 fine or both for the burglary charge. If found guilty of the aggravated burglary charge, he faces a minimum of 5 years and a maximum of 10 years in prison, a $50,000 fine or both.
In other District Court news, 20-year-old Rory Hagerott pleaded guilty to one count of burglary. Hagerott admitted breaking into the Video Depot store July 18th and stealing a safe containing approximately $1,000 and Xbox games. The guilty plea comes as part of an agreement which also includes a guilty plea for Hagerott's upcoming probation violation case, according to Sheridan County prosecuting attorney Christopher LaRosa.
LaRosa recommended a sentence of 30 - 48 months, and suggested that Hagerott is a candidate for the youthful offenders boot camp program. LaRosa also asked Judge Fenn if the remainder of the sentence could be suspended if Hagerott completes the program. LaRosa suggested the same sentence for the probation violation and asked that it run concurrently with the burglary sentence.
Judge Fenn revoked Hagerott's $25,000 bond, which requires him to remain in custody until his sentence date November 6th. The maximum penalty for burglary is 10 years in prison, a $10,000 fine or both.