A Clutier man who pled guilty to breaking into rural properties, of which in at least one case was a home under repair from the July, 2011, derecho windstorm, has been sentenced to a total of 10 years in prison. The sentences were handed down on July 19 by Tama County District. Court Judge Marsha M. Beckelman.
Robert Harold Rice, 49, admitted to four 3rd degree burglaries in the cases in pleas entered on May 25.
On three counts he received five-year sentences to be served concurrently and on a fourth he was sentenced to a five-year term to be served consecutive to the other.
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In one case he was accused of forcing entry to a home under repair and cutting or ripping out copper water pipes. He also faced charges of doing the same in a second residence and taking a rocker recliner chair, and John Deere and Tonka brand toys. All of these items were recovered at his residence in Clutier according to information filed by Tama County Chief Deputy Sheriff David Ruopp.
In other cases he was accused of taking a television, space heater, tv stand, rabbit ear antenna and an upright vacuum cleaner.
Rice originally faced six 3rd degree burglary charges and a possession of marijuana charge.
In other District Court action:
Jerry Ray Van Nevel, 30, Belle Plaine was sentenced to 30 days in jail with all but seven days suspended and fined $1,875. He entered a written guilty plea to 2nd offense drunken driving on May 31.
Van Nevel was originally charged on Dec. 15, 2009 in the 300 block of Station Street in Chelsea with 3rd offense drunken driving by Tama County Deputy Sheriff Wes Sebetka.
Barbara A. Bereczki, 69, rural Gladbrook, pled guilty to 2nd offense drunken driving. She received a suspended two-year prison term, was fined $1,875 and was placed on probation for one year to the 6th Judicial District Department of Correctional Services.
Joshua Lane Kapayou, 30, rural Tama, entered a written guilty plea to driving while license revoked. He was sentenced to 24 days in jail with credit for 24 days already served and fined $315.
Kapayou was charged on June 24 in the 400 block of U.S. Highway 30 by Toledo Police Officer Joe McMillen.