SUNBURY - A 31-year-old Danville man charged by Coal Township police with stealing approximately $6,000 from his former employer was sentenced to 45 days to 23 1/2 months in Northumberland County Prison on a felony offense of theft by unlawful taking.
John Stone, who formerly resided in Tharptown, pleaded guilty to the offense Monday morning and was sentenced by Northumberland County Judge Charles Saylor.
Stone, who has already begun making restitution payments in the case, told the judge prior to sentencing, "This is my first offense. It was an incredibly stupid mistake and I'm sorry for it. This was totally against my character."
Saylor told the defendant, "When you steal from an employer, you must face the consequences."
Stone, who said he has been involved with church and fire company volunteer work, was ordered by Saylor to begin serving his prison sentence at 9 a.m. Nov. 21.
In addition to the prison time and restitution, Stone must pay a $100 fine and various fees. Saylor said Stone will have the opportunity to become eligible for the prison's work release program.
An additional felony offense of receiving stolen property was not prosecuted.
Stone was represented by Northumberland County Public Defender Michael Romance.
Stone, who is currently free on $10,000 unsecured bail, was charged by Coal Township Detective Jeff Brennan with stealing $6,115.88 worth of property from Radio Shack in the Plaza at Coal Township between Nov. 12, 2010, and Aug. 30, 2011, while he was the manager of the business.
On Aug. 31, police received a complaint from Radio Shack about a theft committed by an employee. Sam Reichman, an investigative manager with Radio Shack Corporation, informed Brennan that he discovered Stone had submitted numerous fictitious merchandise returns totaling approximately $6,000. Upon interviewing Stone, Reichman said the defendant admitted to submitting the false merchandise returns and taking the money.
Stone also admitted to Brennan that he stole the money, four gift cards valued at $75.89 and a cordless phone valued at $39.99 from the store.