A Nappanee teen who pleaded guilty to burglary March 20 learned his sentence this morning in Kosciusko Superior Court.
John Bean, 16, of Nappanee, will spend six years in prison for his involvement in a series of burglaries in Kosciusko County.
In November and December, Bean and a group of juveniles robbed a number of houses in Kosciusko County.According to police, the group went to random residences and knocked on the door. If someone answered the door, the suspects would make an excuse, such as asking for directions or asking for gasoline, for stopping at the residence.
If no one answered the door, the group would break into the home and steal random items including jewelry, guns and motocross equipment.
In court today, attorney Michael Reed spoke on Bean's behalf, saying that in the 128 days Bean has spent in jail, he has attended church and Alcoholics Anonymous meetings. Bean also has been baptized and taken Truth classes.
"He is serious and he understands what he needs to do to turn himself around," Reed said.
Today in Kosciusko Superior Court, Judge Duane Huffer handed down the six-year sentence.
"I don't want to send a child to the Indiana Department of Corrections adult division," Judge Huffer said. "But because of your juvenile record, I am severely limited."
Judge Huffer then handed down the six-year prison sentence, advising Bean that he can reduce his sentence by getting a high school diploma, taking college courses and getting a degree.
"Keep your nose to the grindstone," said Judge Huffer.
In early December, police received a call from an Etna Green resident suspicious of a group of teens that went to his house and knocked on the door, asking for gas. When the man said he did not have any gas, the juveniles left the residence in a car matching the suspect vehicle.
The resident of the home was suspicious of the group and called police about the incident.
Officers from the Kosciusko County Sheriff's Department eventually found the car and made a traffic stop. Once the vehicle was stopped, police found items that were taken in a burglary earlier that week.
