ITHACA, N.Y. – An Ithaca man pleaded guilty to third degree burglary in Tompkins County Court Friday. He illegally entered an East Seneca Street home in November and was locked in a room by residents until police arrived.
Ronald McClure, Jr., 29, entered a home on the 400 block of East Seneca Street just after 3 a.m. Nov. 23, according to the Ithaca Police Department. When officers arrived on scene, residents said they had woken up and found their belongings moved and an unknown person in the house. Police said the residents locked McClure in a room until they arrived. Officers found him with several pieces of the residents’ property hidden under his clothing.
Related: Ithaca Police: Residents lock burglary suspect in room until police arrive
McClure pleaded guilty to third degree burglary after initially being charged with second degree burglary. The district attorney’s office is recommending a one year jail sentence, to be served concurrently with a jail sentence handed out by the City of Ithaca Court for separate charges. Prosecutors are also recommending restitution payments and an order of protection for the residents of the home McClure entered.
McClure is currently in custody at the Tompkins County Jail. A sentencing hearing is scheduled for Feb. 4.