CLARION, Pa. (EYT) – A Butler County man who recently pleaded guilty to stealing copper wire and possession of drug paraphernalia in two separate incidents in 2017 was sentenced to serve time in state prison.

President Judge James Arner sentenced 57-year-old Barry Lynn Steele Sr., of Chicora, Butler County, to serve from 12 to 48 months at SCI Greene, in Waynesburg, Greene County.

Steele pleaded guilty on January 3 to a felony charge of criminal trespass in the copper wire theft case and to drug possession stemming from a February 2017 incident.

Steele received nine to 36 months for the criminal trespass and three to 12 months for the drug paraphernalia possession.

Steele was arrested in relation to the theft of scrap copper wire from a dumpster on property belonging to Colony Homes.

His court-appointed attorney, Robbie Taylor, told the court that Steele has a current driver’s license as well as a CDL license and that he was hoping to get a job, so he could pay his fines and restitution to Colony Homes. Nevertheless, Judge Arner cited Steele’s long criminal history and ordered him to serve his time in state prison.

Judge Arner also ordered Steele to the following conditions:

– Not consume drugs or alcohol;
– Submit a DNA sample; and
– Have no contact with the victim or its property.

Steele must also pay $658.00 in restitution to Colony Homes.