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Co-defendants sentenced for theft from a person in a protected class

By
Caitlin Forsha, The Highland County Press

Two men accused of theft from a person in a protected class were both sentenced to community control recently in Highland County Common Pleas Court.

In November, Thomas J. Cordes, 37, of Williamsburg and John L. Falgner III, 41, of Lynchburg were jointly charged with one count each of breaking and entering and theft from a person in a protected class, both fifth-degree felonies. 

According to court records, Cordes and Falgner both pleaded guilty to the theft charge in January, with the breaking and entering charge dismissed.

The indictment alleged that in August, the men took property, including tools, oil and hydraulic fluid jugs, a BB gun, welding torches, a scooter and other items, from an elderly victim.

Falgner was sentenced Feb. 23 to three years of community control and ordered to complete a substance use disorder treatment program. 

Cordes was sentenced Feb. 28 to three years of community control and ordered to complete the STAR program.

Cordes and Falgner were also ordered to pay $1,000 in restitution, jointly and severally, to the victim.


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