Accused Burglar Sentenced to 3-5 Years

A Wyoming man who plead guilty to charges of burglary and wrongful taking and disposing of property will face time in a Wyoming penitentiary.

Colby Thomas was accused of having broken into several businesses in the food court of Eastridge Mall, and taking items from those businesses.

According to court paperwork, Thomas was later identified by law enforcement through security camera footage taken at the time the crimes were said to have been committed.  Items found in Thomas's car were also found, and believed to be related to a separate, earlier burglary.

Thomas made his appearance before Natrona County District Court Judge Daniel Forgey, dressed in an orange jail jumpsuit, and shackled hand and foot.

During the sentencing hearing, Judge Forgey ordered Thomas to 3 to 5 years in prison, along with $295 in fines and costs.

Forgey also said he would recommend Tomas for a drug treatment program.

Thomas had originally been charged with possession of a controlled substance, but that charge was later dropped as part of a plea agreement.

Assistant Public Defender Curtis Cheney said during the hearing, that Thomas had been cooperative in his dealings with Cheney and shown genuine remorse for his actions.