A man who was intoxicated while breaking into a home he thought was his was sentenced to six months in Lycoming County Prison and five years of intensive supervised probation by Judge Marc F. Lovecchio Thursday.
Adam William Verano, 26, of 661 Yeagle Road, Montoursville, smashed a stained glass window at the house of Robert Preston, 5983 Warrensville Road at 1 a.m. on Aug. 3, 2009, according to police.
Verano claimed a taxi took him to the wrong address. Preston caught Verano entering his house and detained him until state police arrived.
Verano, who has a previous criminal history that includes criminal trespass, false reports, escape and DUI, was charged with burglary for breaking into the Eldred Township home.
Reading from a probation officer's notes, Lovecchio said Verano was incarcerated seven times and tested positive for drugs while under supervision.
Melissa Kalaus, assistant district attorney, said Preston was particularly affected by the incident. She said the window that was broken was handmade by his deceased wife.
Breaking down in front of the judge, Verano said he's not the same person he was when he the committed crimes.
"While you're on probation, you're smoking pot?" Lovecchio asked. "You're essentially thumbing your nose at everybody."
Verano told Lovecchio he has been in treatment for the past 18 months and is tackling his drug addiction.
"I can assure you, if you violate, you will go to state prison," Lovecchio told Verano of his sentence. "I'm not giving up hope on you, and I hope I'm not wrong."
