Break-in suspect waives right to trial

ESCANABA - One of four suspects, arrested in connection with several area break-ins earlier this year, made a plea in Delta County Circuit Court Tuesday, waiving his right to a trial.

Nathan James Gartland, 23, Escanaba, was bound over to the higher court in July on charges of breaking and entering, identity theft, illegal use of a financial transaction device, and possession of morphine sulfate.

The charges stem from a multi-jurisdictional investigation of a dozen break-ins at businesses, residences and camps which occurred in the county during April and May.

During his plea on Tuesday, Gartland pleaded guilty to the following charges: breaking and entering, a felony carrying a maximum punishment of 10 years in prison; breaking and entering a coin-operated device, a four-year felony; and attempted illegal use of a stolen financial transaction device which carries a maximum two-year prison sentence.

According to Assistant Prosecutor Jim Soderberg, in the plea bargain, Gartland also agreed to make a sworn statement of his involvement in other activities, cooperate in other court proceedings related to the case, and pay joint restitution. The prosecution agreed to recommend boot camp if a prison sentence is ordered, Soderberg added.

In a prepared statement to Judge Stephen Davis, Gartland admitted to the crimes.

"On May 1, 2009, ...I did break into Bach Mobilities with the intent to steal items of value. We did not have permission to enter the building. John Larson knew that there was a key near...and we found it. We both entered the building and took checks," Gartland said.

"Later on the same day, John Larson, Shannon Nault and I again broke into Bach Mobilities in the same manner as earlier in the day...We stole the credit cards," he told the court.

Gartland admitted to stealing a Daily Press newspaper vending machine from the Mini Mall and breaking into it to take the money inside on May 1. He also said he tried to use one of the stolen credit cards at Walmart on May 1, but was unsuccessful.

Gartland will be sentenced at a later date.

Two other suspects in the case - Justin Nault, 21, and Shannon Nault, 24, of Escanaba - were arrested on charges of identity theft connected to stolen checks and credit/debit cards. Stolen items were also confiscated from their residence. The two brothers have also each been charged with illegal use of a financial transaction device.

During an arraignment on additional charges Tuesday, Justin Nault was charged with five counts of breaking and entering with intent to commit larceny at five camps in Baldwin and Cornell townships and Boney Falls. Each count is a 10-year felony. His preliminary examination is scheduled for Sept. 1 in circuit court.

All three remain lodged in the county jail. They were arrested in May following a joint investigation by Escanaba Public Safety, Delta County Sheriff's Department, Michigan State Police in Gladstone, and Gladstone Public Safety.

Larson has also been arrested and is lodged in jail on two counts of breaking and entering.