The third of three men suspected in the break-in and thefts at Westphal Jewelers in Hutchinson was scheduled for a preliminary hearing Thursday, but he waived that hearing and entered “guilty” pleas as charged.
44-year-old Francis Johnson aka “Fingers” entered pleas to burglary, criminal damage to property, felony theft and conspiracy to commit burglary.
He was the one interviewed by Hutchinson Police Detective Jamie Schoenhoff and pretty much implicated himself and the other two. He wasn’t available when the other two suspects had their hearing because of serving time in prison for two burglary convictions here in Reno County.
One of the other three suspects also entered “guilty” pleas as charged, while another will face a jury trial on August 20. That being 34-year-old Kenya Demond Breakfield aka “Smooth.”
Breakfield faces charges including burglary non-dwelling, theft and a more serious charge of criminal damage to property which could be as much as 53-thousand dollars to repair damage to the building.
38-year-old Derrick Glover, aka “Hustle” entered the plea in front of Judge Trish Rose to burglary, felony theft, criminal damage to property and conspiracy to commit burglary.
The three are suspected of driving a stolen vehicle into the jewelry store back on January 12. They’re also suspects in a similar crime in Wichita.
Both suspects who entered pleas will be sentenced next month.