FARMINGTON — A Vienna man pleaded guilty to burglary and assault charges in a case where a homeowner interrupted the break-in in April.

Justin Meyer, 18, had initially faced a charge of robbery but was indicted this past spring on one count each of burglary and assault.

If the case had gone to trial, Assistant District Attorney James Andrews said the owner of the Red School House Road property in Farmington would have testified that he came home on April 14 and found Meyer and a juvenile in his bedroom.

He would also testify that bureau drawers were open but nothing seemed to be missing, Andrews said. The homeowner would testify that he told both intruders to sit on the bed while he tried to call police. He would then testify that he was struck by Meyer several times in the head and face as Meyer tried to get out of the room, Andrews said.

State Police Trooper Matt Casavant would testify that he and his tracking dog, Marcello, tracked both teenagers about 5 miles into the woods between Morrison Hill Road and the Whistle-Stop Trail, both in West Farmington. Meyer and a 17-year-old Wilton boy were arrested in the case.

Farmington police Detective Marc Bowering would have testified that Meyer admitted looking for marijuana and struggled with the homeowner and struck him.

Meyer’s attorney, Woody Hanstein, said Meyer admitted that what he did was wrong but that the homeowner was struck during Meyer’s struggle to leave the room and the homeowner wouldn’t let him leave, Hanstein said.

Justice Michaela Murphy accepted Meyer’s guilty pleas and set sentencing for 10:30 a.m. Wednesday, Nov. 2, which could change if rescheduling is needed.

It is an open plea and the court could impose a maximum sentence of 10 years on the burglary conviction.

Both Andrews and Hanstein plan to argue for their own sentence recommendations during the hearing.

dperry@sunjournal.com

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