Fairfield Woman Pleads Guilty to Home Burglary and Theft Charges
In a Skowhegan courtroom, Rebecca O’Clair, a 41-year-old woman from Fairfield, pleaded guilty to charges stemming from a 2021 home burglary and theft. O’Clair had repeatedly missed court proceedings, including a trial before a judge earlier this month. She pleaded guilty to charges including burglary, theft, receiving stolen property, and criminal mischief.
As part of a plea agreement, the state recommended a sentence of five years in prison, with most of it suspended, and three years of probation. However, District Court Judge Andrew Benson sentenced O’Clair to six years in prison, with most of it suspended and three years of probation. She was also ordered to pay restitution and fines.
O’Clair was arrested after a burglary and theft at a residence where items including tools, a laptop, and jewelry were reported missing. She was found moving stolen items to her property and later admitted to her actions. O’Clair failed to appear at several court proceedings, with the judge noting her lack of respect for the law.
During the court appearance, victims of the burglary expressed fear and asked for a more severe sentence for O’Clair. While O’Clair’s attorney argued for leniency due to her minor criminal record, the judge rejected a request to let her visit her ailing father before reporting to jail.
The sentencing represents a significant punishment for O’Clair, who has largely minor offenses on her record. The judge emphasized the importance of accountability for her repeated failure to appear in court.
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Photo credit www.centralmaine.com
