Man faces five years on theft charge

BY STACI WILSON

A New Milford man faces up to five years in prison for stealing jewelry, guns, coins and two checks from a Bridgewater Twp. residence which were cashed in for drug money.

David Shahriari, 28,New Milford, pleaded guilty Friday to one count of theft by unlawful taking, a first degree misdemeanor, for taking the items over a two month time period, June-August 2011.

Two other men were also charged in the matter, Brandon Scott, 40,New Milford, and Stephen Smithbauer Jr., 46, Hop Bottom.

Scott and Smithbauer both have additional cases pending in Susquehanna County Court.

Shahriari is scheduled to be sentenced by President Judge Kenneth Seamans on March 22.

Others pleading Friday in the Susquehanna County Court of Common Pleas:

Marcela Garcia, 41, Susquehanna, pleaded guilty to forgery on May 27, 2011 in Susquehanna.

Ceejay Hallstead, 23, Harford, pleaded guilty to theft by unlawful taking on May 23, 2011.

Matthew Ward, pleaded guilty to DUI, second offense on Aug. 9, 2011. Ward was sentenced to serve a 30 day mandatory minimum sentence.

Edward Mazzocchi, 50, South Gibson, pleaded guilty to burglary on Oct. 9, 2011.

John Giddings, 28, Union Dale, pleaded guilty to DUI, third offense on June 8, 2011.

Richard Gelineau, 59, Susquehanna, pleaded guilty to possession of drug paraphernalia on Oct. 13, 2011 and delivery of a controlled substance on Aug. 10, 2011.

Jason Bush, 39, Montrose, pleaded guilty to resisting arrest on Dec. 9, 2011.

Michael Mudge, 43, Hallstead, pleaded guilty to two counts of bad checks and three counts of DUI.