Thief pleads guilty, is sent away with immigration authorities

3:57 AM, Jun. 7, 2011 |
Written by Kimberly Gasuras

BUCYRUS -- A man illegally in the United States is in the custody of the Immigration Customs Enforcement Agency after pleading guilty to theft Monday.

Pedro Gomez-Lopez, 19, Columbus, was charged with theft, a fifth-degree felony. Authorities say he was arrested after being accused of stealing money from a cash register at the Bucyrus Kroger store.

"He was working as a contractor for a company that cleans floors at stores like Kroger," said Crawford County Assistant Prosecutor Cliff Murphy. "While working there, he attempted to steal money from one of the registers, but the money was recovered at that time."

Pedro-Lopez entered his plea in Crawford County Common Pleas Court and was handed over to immigration authorities.

"If he comes back into the country, he will be charged with a felony federally and will also be sentenced in this court," Murphy said.

» Michael Steinbarger, 48, of Galion, pleaded guilty to one count of receiving stolen property and one count of breaking and entering, both fifth-degree felonies. Steinbarger was placed on three years probation and ordered to pay a $250 fine and court costs. He admitted stealing scrap metal from CSX Railroad between April 17 and April 21 and trespassing on private property to commit the offense.

» Colin M. Vanderpool, 34, Willard, was sentenced to three years of probation after pleading guilty to one count of possession of heroin, a fifth-degree felony. Vanderpool will be required to successfully complete a drug and alcohol program at CROSSWAEH and must pay a $250 fine and court costs.

» David A. Cole, 47, Crestline, petitioned the court to seal his record involving a 1991 conviction for burglary, a second-degree felony.

Judge Russell Wiseman said he believes Cole is a rehabilitated man, but because the offense was a violent one Ohio does not allow the record to be sealed.

"If I had the authority to seal it, I would. Keep up the good work and good luck," Wiseman said.

» Kevin J. Kelley, 31, Marion, had his bond set at $25,000 after pleading not guilty to a number of violations. Probation Officer Mark Alspach said Kelley failed to report his change of address, failed to report to his probation officer and was found to have controlled substances in his possession illegally. Alspach said Kelley owes $5,345.87 in fines and court costs, and has not paid them. Kelley originally was placed on probation after being found guilty of possession of drugs.

» Zachary Simmermacher, 31, Crestline, pleaded guilty to one count of possession of drugs. He will receive treatment at CROSSWAEH in lieu of conviction. He was placed on two years of probation. Simmermacher admitted using heroin on Nov. 10, 2010.

» Charles Baker, 27, Bucyrus, was granted judicial release after serving one year in prison. Baker was sentenced to four years in prison on a burglary conviction, along with a breaking and entering charge and a possession of drug charge, on Aug. 9, 2010. He was placed on three years of probation.

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