SMETHPORT — A Port Allegany man who was accused of selling tens of thousands of dollars worth of stolen items pleaded guilty on Tuesday in McKean County Court.
Timothy D. Major, 42, appeared before President Judge John Pavlock for two cases: one in which he was charged with stealing items from his landlord’s garage to sell, and a second in which he was charged with selling stolen items that belonged to Edmond Chevrolet, where he used to work.
On Tuesday, Major entered a guilty plea in one case to a charge of theft by unlawful taking, a second-degree felony; and in the second case to a charge of receiving stolen property, a third-degree felony.
McKean County Assistant District Attorney Sean Barrett said between July 30, 2015, and April 1, 2016, Major received and disposed of automotive accessories and tools belonging to Edmond Chevrolet worth $18,000.
Then, between March 17 and April 8, Major took $10,692.41 worth of things including welding items, trapping and hunting equipment, cattle items, tools and two paintball guns from Michael Lightner, Barrett explained.
At the time Major was first charged, court records showed he had sold approximately $46,000 worth of stolen items to McKean County E-Sales; however, it was indicated during a court appearance on Oct. 13 that the correct restitution amount was in question.
His plea conference indicated the prosecution and defense settled on $28,692.41 as the total worth of the stolen items.
“I know there is a request for sentencing today,” said Pavlock, noting that victims were present in court. However, he said he was “uncomfortable” sentencing Major without more background on him. “The defendant has been convicted of two very serious offenses” — and has a criminal background. “I need to time to think about this.”
Pavlock suggested setting a sentencing hearing for Thursday, but Dennis Luttenauer, Major’s attorney, explained that Major is involved in a program in state prison. He has already missed time in the program to attend the plea conference, and if he misses more time he will have to start the program over again.
Major is already serving a state prison term of four to eight years on allegations he possessed a .22 caliber rifle knowing he was not allowed to possess a firearm.
Pavlock set the sentencing date for 3:30 p.m. Jan. 5, 2017.
A back-up trial scheduled in the cases is cancelled.
