Jason J. Sweeney, the Delaware County man who helped steal almost $2,000 worth of copper wire in March 2013 in West Brunswick Township, will not spend time in prison after being sentenced Thursday in Schuylkill County Court.
Instead, Sweeney, 33, of Drexel Hill, must serve three years on probation, Judge Jacqueline L. Russell ruled.
Russell also sentenced Sweeney to pay costs, $50 to the Criminal Justice Enhancement Account and $1,999.52 restitution to Verizon, and perform 50 hours community service.
"The victim is going to have to be satisfied," Russell warned Sweeney.
In a one-day nonjury trial on June 10, Russell found Sweeney guilty of conspiracy and theft.
State police at Schuylkill Haven had alleged Sweeney and Joseph R. Driscoll stole the wire on March 14, 2013. At Sweeney's trial, Driscoll, who pleaded guilty and is serving time in prison, testified he cut down the wire while Sweeney rolled it up.
Mark Fritz, a Verizon splicing technician, also testified he saw the pair rolling up the wires. Fritz also said he followed the pair when they fled the scene.
At Thursday's hearing, Jessica Carey, Sweeney's fiancee, told Russell the defendant should not go to prison.
"Jason's a very good person; a very hard-working, decent man," she said.
Jessica's mother, Mary Lou Carey, also said Sweeney should not be behind bars.
"He has been the best thing that has ever happened to my daughter," she said. "He has amazed me."
