ITHACA, N.Y. — A man who spent about a year on the lam and later turned himself in to police after spending time “out west,” accepted a deal Thursday, pleading guilty to grand larceny.
Scott E. Goodrich confessed to stealing cash and equipment from the Lake View Cemetery from Dec. 1, 2012 to Jan. 31, 2014. He stole about $50,000 worth of money using checks and also stole equipment, totaling $99,151.80.
“I had total access to everything,” he said.
Assistant District Attorney Eliza Filipowski recommended that the man be sentenced to six months in jail and serve five years of probation, citing his lack of criminal history and seriousness of the offense. She said there are other reasons for the recommendation which she will state during sentencing.
Related: Bail set for man who spent year on the lam after allegedly stealing from Ithaca cemetery
Goodrich has been in custody since the end of January — completing the jail portion of his sentence — and was released on probation until his sentencing on Sept. 1.
Broome County Judge Kevin P. Dooley, who presided over the case, gave Goodrich restrictions on his release, including that he check in with probation twice a week and not get arrested.
If Goodrich violates the terms of his release, he could be sentenced to five to 15 years in prison.
“You will not get your plea back,” Dooley said.
Goodrich will have to pay $5,000 in restitution at the time of sentencing and $20,000 over the course of five years. The other $75,000 will be part of civil judgement against him.