Cridersville man sentenced on theft, B&E charges

James Lee, 45, of Cridersville was sentenced to 14 years in prison Wednesday on a plethora of breaking and entering and theft charges related to a string of tool, mower, vehicle and trailer thefts.

The 14-year sentence is a jointly negotiated agreement. Lee also will have to pay out $12,653 in restitution. That is — if he gets around to paying restitution from all of the other theft and breaking and entering related crimes he has committed over several years. That restitution doesn’t account for tens of thousands of dollars in insured claims from mower thefts.

One of the victims noted in their impact statement that a 4x4 ATV stolen had belonged to his grandson. His grandson had asked why people steal from one another instead of getting a job.

Auglaize Common Pleas Judge Frederick Pep- ple asked the question to Lee. Lee said he was working but was fired for “a stupid reason.” Pepple asked why he didn’t go and get another job. Lee said he gave up.

Lee also revealed to Pepple that his drug of choice was crack, but when it came to giving up information on who he sold stolen goods to, things got complicated. Lee said he wanted to tell Detective Brian Little who was involved but Little didn’t want to work with him. Pepple suggested Lee reconsider in the future.

After the hearing Little said Lee’s accomplice had given them most of the information they needed.

On Thursday Lee is scheduled to appear in Allen County for sentencing on similar charges.