SMETHPORT — A man accused of helping steal chainsaws from a local business and burning the getaway vehicle has pleaded guilty.

James S. Hammond Jr., 40, entered pleas in two cases Thursday in McKean County Court before President Judge John Pavlock. He pleaded guilty in one case to conspiracy-reckless burning or exploding, a third-degree felony; and in the other case to burglary, a second-degree felony, and retail theft, a third-degree felony.

According to District Attorney Stephanie Vettenburg-Shaffer, between June 28 and 29, Hammond entered 101 Barbour St., Bradford — Stoney North Enterprises — and conspired with James Bunce and Michael Randolph to steal six chainsaws and one power cutter from the business. The value of the items was $2,971.74.

Then, on June 29, Hammond conspired with Bunce to start a fire in a Toyota Tacoma valued at more than $5,000, Shaffer said.

Hammond will be sentenced June 20.

Bunce and Randolph have not been convicted of any charges in the incidents. All cases against both are pending.

Randolph has a last day to plea conference set for June 27 for the burglary case.

Meanwhile, Bunce, who faces three cases — charges in the burglary and arson, along with a second burglary — for his alleged actions during those two days, has asked for a trial. No trial date is set.

Court records filed at the time the men were charged indicated the men stole the chainsaws to sell, and the truck used in the chainsaw theft was the same truck the men allegedly set fire to hours later.

Bunce is also accused of entering a campsite between June 28 and 29, breaking into a residence and shed there, stealing several items and causing damage, court records indicated.

All three men remain incarcerated.