An 19-year-old Batavia resident who broke into three local businesses said in court today that a proposed sentence of up to 14 years in prison on his burglary convictions was "a harsh punishment for somebody my age."
Judge Robert C. Noonan told Trevor M. Pilc, formerly of 404 Jackson St., Batavia, that he agreed, but added, "you've made your own bed and negotiated your own disposition."
Noonan then sentenced Pilic to two-and-a-third to seven years on two counts of burglary in the second degree, with the sentences to be served consecutively.
The prison term will be served concurrently to a similar sentence on burglary convictions in Wyoming County and with a one-and-third to four year sentenced Noonan imposed for a violation of probation conviction.
On Feb. 23, Pilc entered a guilty plea after reaching a plea deal for burglarizing four Batavia establishments -- Neptune Gardens, Batavia's Original, Blondie's and the Batavia Youth Bureau building.
Pilc was ordered to pay $11,800 in restitution to the businesses and two insurance companies.
"I realize what I did was wrong," said Pilc, who came to court in state prison-issued khaki slacks, a pressed white shirt and heavy shackles on his wrists. "I've hurt the business owners and their families and my family both financially and emotionally. I think it's a harsh punishment for a person my age, but I accept the consequences for what I've done."
Pilc and his accomplice, Michael A. Ames, 19, of 508 Dale Road, Dale, were arrested in September, aided by tips generated by the release of a video surveillance tape posted on The Batavian.
Ames is also serving four-and-two-thirds to 14 years in state prison, concurrent with his sentence out of Wyoming County.
If you can't do the time,
If you can't do the time, don't do the crime. Seems like this guy has done ENOUGH crimes - - maybe he just need this "time" to get a REST.