JOHNSTOWN — A Gloversville man who was part of a six-member burglary ring accused striking a town of Caroga camp last year was sentenced recently in Fulton County Court to one to three years in state prison.
Robert P. Williams, 21, of 34 Grand St., Gloversville, was sentenced July 7 by County Court Judge Louise K. Sira. In addition to the prison time, he also must make $935 in restitution, and a stay-away order was granted on behalf of his victims. He was sentenced as part of a plea arrangement.
Sentencing was based on the defendant’s May 12 guilty plea to one felony count of third-degree burglary.
Williams was one of six suspects — mostly arrested Nov. 2 — by the Fulton County Sheriff’s Department stemming from an alleged burglary ring in the town of Caroga. He was initially arrested on charges of second-degree burglary, second-degree criminal mischief and third-degree grand larceny.
Sheriff Richard Giardino said last fall that the ring was involved in a burglary at a seasonal camp at 2332 Route 10. He said suspects worked together to “virtually wipe out” the residence, owned by a Florida family at the time. The suspects allegedly stole items including a TV, beds and kitchenware. Outside, the suspects allegedly stole a well pump.
Others arrested in the ring were Stacy L. Rhodes, 40, of 3 West Broadway, Oneonta, Otsego County; Laniesha S. Rhodes, 21, of 34 Grand St., Gloversville; Trevon C. Rhodes, 21, and Samantha A. Pitt, 17, both of 45 W. Eighth Ave., Gloversville; and Michael S. Becker, 31, of 202 Fonclair St., Johnstown.
The office of District Attorney Chad Brown said Thursday that Williams was the second conviction within the ring so far in county court. Stacy L. Rhodes, the last suspect arrested Nov. 17, pleaded guilty May 17 to third-degree burglary, as a second felony offender. She is due to receive two to four years in state prison.
Also recently in County Court, Autumn J. Yennard, 40, of 100 S. Kingsboro Ave., Gloversville, pleaded guilty Monday before Judge Polly A. Hoye to fourth-degree welfare fraud and fourth-degree grand larceny, as part of a plea arrangement.
Sentencing was adjourned until a later, but Yennard is expected to receive 45 days in the county jail, five years probation, disqualification from benefits and she must make unspecified restitution.
She was arrested Sept. 15 by Fulton County sheriff’s investigators on charges of first-degree offering a false instrument for filing, third-degree grand larceny and third-degree welfare fraud, all felonies.
Deputies said Yennard allegedly filed a false application with the county Department of Social Services to obtain $3,984 in SNAP and HEAP benefits she wasn’t entitled to.
Michael Anich covers Johnstown and Fulton County news. He can be reached at [email protected]
