Pocatello man sentenced for his part in tip thefts
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POCATELLO — One of two men charged in connection with thefts at two local eateries has been sentenced for aiding and abetting.
Jonathon James Keele, 28, was originally charged with a felony principal to burglary. After reaching a plea agreement with the Bannock County Prosecutor’s Office, the charge was amended to a misdemeanor for aiding and abetting a petty theft.
Keele was sentenced to 15 days time served for the misdemeanor by Magistrate Judge David Hooste.
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Keele and 28-year-old Timothy William Halpin were arrested after the employees of a local soda shop reported a theft in July.
When Pocatello police officers responded to the report, they were told that Keele asked for a cup of water and as he was being helped, Halpin grabbed the employee tip jar and left. A short time later, police received reports that Halpin had stolen another tip jar from a nearby restaurant. In total, police reports show that the two netted around $28 from the two businesses.
Keele has been ordered to pay $470 in fees and fines.
Halpin has not reached a plea agreement and faces two felony counts of burglary. He is scheduled for a jury trial before District Judge Javier Gabiola on Nov. 14. If he is found guilty, he could face up to 20 years in prison.