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Burglar pleads, gets four years
Must make restitution
Published Thursday, November 19, 2009
An Ironton man who twice broke into Holliday’s Quick Stop and a Pedro man who used deception to gain access to his victim’s house both entered guilty pleas Wednesday in Lawrence County Common Pleas Court.
Adam Stapleton, 25, of 126 Private Drive 3467, Ironton, admitted he broke into Holliday’s Quick Stop June 23 and again July 6. During both incidents he stole cigarettes. Judge D. Scott Bowling sentenced him to a total of two years in prison and ordered him to pay $3,940 in restitution, either severally or jointly with a cohort who has yet to be arrested.
Also Wednesday, Clinton Cremeans, 30, of 115 County Road 28, Pedro, pleaded guilty to one count of aggravated burglary and admitted he violated his probation when he was arrested for the burglary.
“He has two prior felony convictions, so he doesn’t believe it is in his best interest to go to trial,” Cremeans’ attorney, Roger Smith explained.
Bowling sentenced him to four years in prison. Assistant Lawrence County Prosecutor Bob Anderson said if Cremeans stays out of trouble while he is behind bars, the prosecutor’s office will not oppose judicial release after three years.
“I’m sorry I don’t know I don’t have nothing to say,” Cremeans told Bowling when the judge asked if he had anything to say.
He cried openly throughout the court proceeding and frequently looked back over his shoulder into the gallery at his mother, who also cried.
Bowling denied a request for a brief furlough before Cremeans is sent to prison.
Cremeans is accused of going with a cohort, Tara Adkins, to a Pedro home and asking to use the bathroom. Once inside they allegedly began to steal things from the homeowner. When Cremeans was arrested, authorities found a pocket knife.
Adkins, 27, of 115 Private Drive 2913, Pedro, pleaded guilty to her part in the case in August.
She was sentenced to four years community controlled sanctions under intensive supervised probation and was ordered to complete a rehabilitation program at the STAR Community Justice Center.
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Comments
Posted by PointofView (anonymous) on November 19, 2009 at 10:31 a.m. (Suggest removal)
I hope that these idiots realize while in prison that no one owes you anything in life. You have to work for all that you have. Talk about taking advantage of kindness! This could have been completely different with one or both freaking out and someone getting hurt or killed. Seriously felons, think about how much worse your life could be, and how bad you've made things for yourself already. You will have another chance in 4 years. Make the most of your time and learn a trade in prison. Leave us hard-working, honest people alone.
Posted by Demi (anonymous) on November 19, 2009 at 10:54 a.m. (Suggest removal)
Amen! Well stated!
Posted by osu (anonymous) on November 19, 2009 at 11:12 a.m. (Suggest removal)
Well said, point of view, but there is the stigma that WE attach to those who have been in prison. Let's say this guy learns a trade, but when he seeks employment, will the employer take a chance on him when he finds out about the prison sentence?
Rehabilitation is a good concept (and one of the roles of the Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation), and I believe in it, but at the same time we (on the outside) need to adjust our attitudes as well.
Posted by muskratt (anonymous) on November 19, 2009 at 12:16 p.m. (Suggest removal)
The only thing these people learn in prison are how to further manipulate the system and become better criminals.
Recidivism statistics do not lie.
Posted by ribbon (anonymous) on November 19, 2009 at 1:22 p.m. (Suggest removal)
I agree with osu.
Posted by indieVoter (anonymous) on November 19, 2009 at 2:01 p.m. (Suggest removal)
I agree, completely agree, that people should be honest and earn their way. As for getting a second chance after paying his debt to society, I don't think so. This guy will be known as a felon, first and foremost, for the rest of his life. In fact, he's already there if he has two prior felony convictions. If he's greeted by the response I expect, the only job he will get after release will be as a more experienced burglar.
I'm sympathetic to those who legitimately want to turn their lives around but it's going to be extremely difficult for this young man. I hope he does rethink life while in prison and dedicates himself to choosing a new path.
Posted by patsm6 (anonymous) on November 19, 2009 at 2:06 p.m. (Suggest removal)
they will have to live with that stigma. If they hadnt been caught they would still be committing crimes and bragging about it. stima-tough $hit. again good statement point of view.
Posted by RUNutz (anonymous) on November 19, 2009 at 2:52 p.m. (Suggest removal)
Let's not forget the "collateral consequences of criminal charges" which include, at a minimum, the following prohibitions for a convicted felon: cannot buy or own any type of firearm (i.e., rifle, pistol, etc.), cannot Vote in any election, restricted job markets, restricted licenses, cannot run or be elected to any public office, and they cannot be called to serve on a petit or grand jury. These are all priviledges of the honest citizen, and once proven otherwise, a criminal loses much more in their lifetime than time in prison or under criminal sanctions. As the saying goes, "if you're going to do the crime be prepared to do the time" and for the rest of your life. RUNutz?
Posted by slither (anonymous) on November 19, 2009 at 6:18 p.m. (Suggest removal)
he will get what he deserves in prison
Posted by PointofView (anonymous) on November 19, 2009 at 6:44 p.m. (Suggest removal)
Having family members that work in the correctional system, I know of the different types of programs available for them to learn and earn certificates and/or degrees. In this sense, these criminals are being given an education that honest citizens generally have to pay for. I do not argue that there is a stigma attached to a person after leaving prison, but it's one that they've brought on themselves. It also doesn't take away a person's ability to work for themselves once out, or to search out parole support/advice. As bad as it might be for the convicted felon, he/she is still alive and able to change things for the better. It all comes down to personal conviction and a true desire to change and live a better life. If you think about it, most of us have encountered hardships that could have turned our lives upside down had we not had enough sense and self-esteem to keep trying and push forward. It's called personal responsibility and faith. Two things that many people seem to lack in today's society. I've known offenders who've struggled and made it, and I've known some that are lifer's. Perserverance pays off one way or the other.
Posted by nottellin (anonymous) on November 20, 2009 at 8:37 a.m. (Suggest removal)
I just have a question.... Does Judge Bowling know that there are sentences other than 4 years? Is 4 his lucky number or something?
Posted by Demi (anonymous) on November 20, 2009 at 8:58 a.m. (Suggest removal)
Wow IndieVoter...you have changed your tune!
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