by peter e. bortner
Timothy J. Harris Jr. is on his way to prison after admitting Wednesday in Schuylkill County Court that he used a gun while stealing money and other items from a man in April 2013 in Pottsville.
Harris, 20, of Auburn, pleaded guilty to theft, possessing instrument of crime and simple assault, with prosecutors withdrawing charges of robbery and receiving stolen property.
Judge Jacqueline L. Russell accepted the plea and, pursuant to an agreement between prosecutors and the defendant, sentenced him to serve 10 to 23 months in prison, plus an additional two years on probation, pay costs, $50 to the Criminal Justice Enhancement Account and $1,122.50 restitution, perform 60 hours community service and have no contact with his victim. Russell made the sentence effective at 9 a.m. Aug. 3.
Harris said little during Wednesday's hearing except that he understood the terms of his guilty plea and that he was entering it knowingly and voluntarily.
Pottsville police charged Harris as a result of his encounter with Brandon Shaffer about 12:40 a.m. April 11, 2013, at Baber and Washington streets in the city.
Police said Harris contacted Shaffer, who was told to bring $550 in cash to Baber Street in order to pay for a 55-inch Sony Bravia television set.
When there, however, Shaffer said he was met by Harris, who had a handgun, according to police. Harris proceeded to steal an HTC Evo cellphone and $559 in cash from Shaffer, police said.
Police said Harris fled the scene but was arrested later that day.Defendant: Timothy J. Harris Jr.
Age: 20
Residence: Auburn
Crimes committed: Theft, possessing instrument of crime and simple assault
Prison sentence: 10 to 23 months in prison, plus an additional two years on probation