HUTCHINSON, Kan. — A local man who entered pleas to felony charges back in December was almost sent to prison, but ended up getting community corrections.
Craig Schroeder was charged with possession of marijuana with intent to sell, but the state amended that charge to simple possession with a prior conviction and he entered a “guilty plea.” He also entered “guilty” pleas to two counts of burglary, felony theft of a firearm and interference with law enforcement. Charges of criminal damage, possession of drug paraphernalia and misdemeanor theft were dismissed.
All of the crimes occurred on or around March 9, 2015. The state alleges that he had a seller’s quantity of marijuana when he was arrested.
The felony theft charge is for allegedly stealing a Savage Axis 243 rifle. The second auto burglary and misdemeanor theft is for stealing tools, a tool box and electronics from a vehicle.
The state joined the defense in recommending that Schroeder be placed on community corrections. It was that fact which kept Schroeder from going to prison. Judge Chambers sentenced him to a total of four years and nine months, then granted the corrections for three years.