A New Sharon teenager who pleaded guilty to the theft of an estimated $50,000 in cash and jewelry from the home of a family friend could see his plea to felony charges reduced to a misdemeanor if he stays out of trouble for the next two years.
Brian Durrell entered a guilty plea to the two felonies Wednesday, but under the negotiated plea deal, will have the charge reduced to a misdemeanor in two years as long as he maintains good behavior.
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Durrell, 18, received a deferral on the sentencing until Oct. 28, 2016, for two class C charges of theft and burglary, according to court documents. Under the deal, brokered by his attorney, Walter McKee, Durrell will be able to withdraw his guilty plea and be sentenced for misdemeanor theft at that time as long as he abides by the conditions of the court.
He was ordered to pay $28,882 in restitution for stolen property that was not recovered.
Durrell and a 17-year-old from Farmington, who was charged as a juvenile, broke into a Wilton home in April to steal jewelry and cash with an estimated combined value of $50,000 from family friends. It was discovered the home was broken into after the family returned from a vacation.
Durrell was arrested in May by Wilton Police Chief Heidi Wilcox.
The High Street home was not damaged during the break-in, which police suggested meant those who broke in were familiar with the home.
The two pawned some jewelry that matched the description of the missing property, police said.
Durrell was originally charged with a class B charge of burglary, which is punishable by up to 10 years in prison and $20,000 in fines compared with the later class C charges, which carry punishment of up to five years in prison and $5,000 in fines.
The 17-year-old is charged with class B theft and class B burglary. His case is still pending.
Kaitlin Schroeder — 861-9252
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