JEFFERSON CO., Pa. (EYT) – A 19-year-old Punxsutawney man who allegedly burglarized the historic Pantall Hotel recently entered a guilty plea in court.
Court documents indicate 19-year-old Hunter John Becker pleaded guilty to one third-degree felony count of criminal trespass-enter structure on September 2.
As a result of the plea agreement, the following charges against Becker were dismissed:
– Conspiracy – Burglary – Overnight Accommodation, No Person Present, Felony 1
– Burglary – Overnight Accommodation, No Person Present, Felony 1
– Criminal Trespass-Break Into Structure, Felony 2
– Criminal Mischief – Damage Property, Misdemeanor 2
A sentencing date for the case has not yet been scheduled.
Becker is currently free on unsecured bail.
The charges stem from an alleged break-in at the historic Pantall Hotel in Punxsutawney Borough earlier this year.
Details of the case:
According to a criminal complaint, on February 27, a known witness provided Punxsutawney Borough Police with a written statement on several incidents of burglary and criminal mischief.
According to the complaint, the witness stated that Hunter John Becker and five juveniles gained entry into the Pantall Hotel sometime around February 2. The witness reported the individuals used fire extinguishers and began kicking down doors.
The witness said that he saw Becker kicking holes in several walls and kicking down doors on several rooms. Several of the juveniles also used the fire extinguishers to break windows throughout the building. After they finished damaging the upstairs and rooftop section of the hotel, they all left the building.
Charges were filed through Magisterial District Judge Jacqueline J. Mizerock’s office on Thursday, March 12.
The complaint notes an estimate of the damages was not complete at the time the charges were filed.
Court documents indicate Becker also pleaded guilty to one second-degree misdemeanor count of reckless endangerment on September 2 related to an incident in Punxsutawney Borough in February.
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