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Butler Twp. man pleads guilty in seven cases

A man pleaded guilty to seven cases against him in Butler County Court on Tuesday, including those involving burglary and theft of a medical bag from an ambulance.

James L. Musser III, 36, entered pleas to charges of felony burglary, criminal trespass, theft, misdemeanor retail theft, receiving stolen property and two counts of theft from a motor vehicle in seven cases before county Judge Timothy McCune on Tuesday.

The plea agreements call for a total of 18 to 48 months in prison, which can be served in the Butler County Prison, with immediate parole after completion of the six-month reintegration program, as well as restitution, fines and costs.

The second case involved a misdemeanor charge of theft from a motor vehicle, after police said he stole a medical bag valued at $3,500 from a Butler Ambulance Services ambulance on Sept. 19, 2016.

Security cameras on the ambulance captured the crime on video, according to court documents, which showed a man opening the rear door and stealing the bag.

Officers later that evening while in the 300 block of West North Street, noticed a man, later identified as Musser, who matched the description of the thief caught on video.

Police spoke to Musser, who initially denied taking the bag. But when informed of what was on the security footage, documents said, he confessed.

He also pleaded guilty to felony criminal trespass in a case charged on Oct. 22, 2016, where authorities say he entered the rear door of an apartment in the 800 block E. Jefferson St.

The victim told police that he was home watching television when he noticed the unknown burglar in his home. He later identified Musser from a police photo lineup, according to court documents.

The final case included a plea to felony burglary after Musser was charged in an incident on Nov. 4, 2016, where authorities say he entered a property on W. Penn St. and made off with $7,000 worth of jewelry and other property.

Musser's attorney, Public Defender Charles Nedz requested sentencing as soon as possible so that Musser can begin the reintegration program.

Sentencing was scheduled for Aug. 31.

Musser continues to be held in the Butler County Prison on a total of $202,800 bail in all cases.

A full report will appear in the Butler Eagle.

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