NORWICH – A Walton man accused of stealing a dune buggy and concealing it pleaded guilty and was sentenced to jail and probation in Chenango County Court by Judge Frank B. Revoir, Jr.

James F. Laughman, 32, Walton, pleaded guilty to the class D felony of grand larceny in the fourth degree on Feb. 2.

It is alleged on or about May 17 and 18 on Nurse Hallow Road in the Town of Afton, Laughman –while acting in concert with another– did steal a 2002 dune buggy with a Volkswagen engine and an approximate value of $5,000.

While entering his plea, Laughman said he “had no clue it was stolen at the time.”

“I am not going to accept your plea if you are saying you are innocent,” said Revoir.

First Assistant Michael D. Ferrarese asked Laughman if on the date he stole the dune buggy, whether or not he was driving the dune buggy while it was being towed.

Laughman agreed and said he did.

“You put tree branches over the buggy in an attempt to conceal it,” said Ferrarese. “Why did you conceal it?”

Ferrarese said to Laughman that he did not have permission to take the dune buggy.