WHITE RIVER JUNCTION, Vt. (AP) – A decade after an elderly couple was tied up and robbed in their home, a former Maine resident has pleaded no contest to the charges.

Stuart Jones, 52, could face up to 25 years in prison under the plea deal.

On Feb. 11, 1997, two men wearing ski masks forced their way into the Royalton home of Warren and Katharine Williams, 76, after learning they kept a large amount of cash in their home. After a violent struggle in which shots were fired, the two were tied up with duct tape. About $20,000 worth of cash and property was taken.

Investigators found out later that a relative of Jones – whose last known address was in Sanford, Maine – is married to a daughter of the Williamses. Last year, an arrest warrant charging him with two counts of kidnapping was issued. He was tracked to Las Vegas and then to Greenwood, S.C.

The first arrest came two years ago, when police were led to Manchester, N.H., where they recovered some of the Williams’ property and arrested Daniel Daigle, 33. He is now serving a four-year prison sentence.

The Williamses attended Friday’s court hearing, accompanied by Vermont State Police Capt. Raymond Keefe, who first investigated the case 10 years ago. They said they were pleased with the outcome.

Keefe said he thinks a third person was involved and drove the getaway car.

“This case is far from over,” Keefe said.