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Porter sentenced to state prison for 2018 crime spree

One of three men charged with a crime spree was sent to state prison on Friday.

Matthew J. Porter pled guilty back in June to a slew of charges in connection with a string of thefts.

The vast majority of the incidents occurred in the City of Warren and Pleasant Township and resulted in theft of items like leaf blowers, weedeaters and bicycles, among a host of other things.

Here’s a breakdown of the charges to which he pled guilty: 13 counts of theft by unlawful taking, three counts each of criminal trespass – enter structure, retail theft, criminal trespass and loitering and prowling at night time, two counts of conspiracy (burglary) and single counts of conspiracy (receiving stolen property), conspiracy (criminal trespass enter structure), receiving stolen property, burglary and possession of a controlled substance.

Of the 32 total charges, 11 are felonies.

President Judge Maureen Skerda sentenced Porter on Friday.

Chief Public Defender John Parroccini suggested that “all of those thefts related to Matthew’s drug problem” and said he’s been in public defense “long enough to spot a drug addict a mile away.”

Parroccini said Porter knows he’s headed to state prison and said that is “best to meet his needs.”

He argued that these crimes were “one continual, long crime spree” and suggested that some of the probation to be served after his prison term could be run concurrent.

District Attorney Rob Greene said he hopes Porter and his co-defendants understand the impact their conduct had on the community.

“Wasn’t he found with most of the property?” Skerda asked.

Greene suggested the stolen items were traded for methamphetamine or other drugs.

He said Porter doesn’t need to be spend the rest of his life in prison.

“Being a parent, you need to be a good example,” Skerda said.

Porter took the opportunity to apologize to the victims and the community.

Skerda then handed down a sentence that includes the following: 24-48 months incarceration in state prison, seven years probation (in addition to four years of concurrent probation), $9,725 in fines and fees and $6,806.03 in restitution to six different victims.

He was ordered to undergo a drug and alcohol and mental health evaluation and was given priority for treatment in the state system. He is boot camp and recidivism risk reduction incentive eligible. He is required to submit a DNA sample and was given credit for 270 days time served.

He was also sentenced to a total of 810 hours – over 20 40 hour work weeks – of community service at the various dockets.

Skerda emphasized his prior record isn’t extensive but noted that the conduct in this case is extensive.

She encouraged him that he can “change his life. That’s up to you…. Motivate yourself to change. You can do it.”

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