2 min read

PARIS – A Canton man pleaded guilty Thursday morning to burglary and theft charges, admitting he stole more than $11,000 worth of weapons and tools from two Canton camps.

Oxford County Superior Court Justice Roland A. Cole sentenced Dillon S. Auger, 19, to two years in jail, suspending all but 90 days. Auger will be placed on two years probation when he leaves jail.

Cole also ordered Auger to pay $11,809 restitution to the two camp owners, a debt that will be shared by another man, Derek T. Lee, who was also convicted of the same crimes last month and received the same sentence.

Both were conditionally ordered to stay away from each other in and out of jail.

In Thursday’s plea bargain arrangement, Auger admitted that on Sept. 29, 2005, he illegally entered a camp owned by Alexander Smith and stole firearms, binoculars, tools, ammunition, and knives.

He also admitted entering, that same day, a camp owned by Vance Brown, and stealing firearms, ammunition, chain saws, knives, tomahawks, and camping equipment.

In return for the pleas, another burglary and theft case involving an Oct. 10, 2005, incident at the Victorian Villa Rehabilitation Center, in which more than $1,000 worth of tools was stolen, was dismissed.

Also dismissed in the break-ins at the two camps were one charge each of criminal mischief and aggravated criminal mischief, for damage done to property.

Auger, who said he is unemployed, and his attorney, John J. Jenness Jr., reacted with surprise at the large amount of restitution, after which, Cole lectured Auger, advising him to steer clear of future criminal actions.

Jenness said his client could make restitution in a two-year period on release from jail.

Auger, wearing a navy blue shirt and long blue shorts, was handcuffed and led next door to the Oxford County Jail.

Comments are no longer available on this story