NORWICH— A Coventry man pleaded guilty to the class D felony of burglary in the third degree after stealing from a man he had worked for, and at his sentencing the victim requested the defendant be allowed to work and serve weekends.

On June 10, 2014, 33-year-old James E. Fletcher of Coventry was arrested by the Chenango County Sheriff’s Office and charged with the class C felony of burglary in the second degree.

It was alleged Fletcher unlawfully entered the residence of a man he had done work for and stole thousands of dollars worth of jewelry, among other items.

Fletcher pleaded guilty to the reduced charge of burglary in the third degree, a class D felony, this year and was promised a split sentence of six months of incarceration and five years of probation.

Recently, Fletcher reappeared in Chenango County Court to be sentenced, and the victim he stole from, William Metch, also appeared in court.

According to Fletcher, he was hired to work at a local manufacturing plant in April. He hoped to keep his job and continue working.

“He helped the victim out at his house,” said Joseph A. McBride. “At some point, he went to the victim's house without permission and stole jewelry and other items.”