AUGUSTA -- An 18-year-old man who returned a stolen all-terrain-vehicle and apologized to the owner pleaded guilty Tuesday in Kennebec County Superior Court to five counts each of burglary and theft.

Dallas R. York of Brooks was sentenced to three years in jail, with all but six months suspended, and two years' probation for the crimes, which took place in Kennebec and Waldo counties between Sept. 6 and Sept. 18, 2008.

He also was ordered to pay up to $10,650 in restitution. York was ordered to serve his sentence in the Waldo County jail.

York's attorney, Pamela Ames, said York went along with friends who stole copper wiring and tubing, melted it down and sold it to a recycler.

"He was the pickup man," Ames said.

York; Allen J. Hubbard, 18, of the town of Unity; Alice Dufresne, 18, of Brooks; and a juvenile girl were arrested Sept. 17, 2008, in the township of Unity. Police used a dog to track the group after they fled Parsons Small Engine Repair in the township.

Assistant District Attorney Brad Grant said the owners called police after realizing someone was breaking into the store, which sells guns, chain saws and lawn mowers and offers small-engine repair.

He said the owners found a firearm on the floor.

The other burglaries occurred at a warehouse in Searsport, a storage site in Brooks, a trucking warehouse in Unity and a camp in Troy.

The ATV was stolen from the Brooks site, and York returned it to the owner.

In a separate hearing Wednesday in Kennebec County Superior Court, Michael J. James, 26, of Warren was sentenced to one year in prison for assault, criminal mischief and violating conditions of release July 6, 2008, in Augusta.

The offenses occurred at Riverview Psychiatric Center, where James was committed following a finding of not criminally responsible for previous assault charges.

The prison term is to be consecutive to his term at Riverview Psychiatric Center, according to court documents.

Also in a separate hearing Tuesday, Lorraine M. Conlogue, 25, of Oakland, pleaded guilty to operating after suspension and failure to stop for an officer Aug. 23, 2008, in Belgrade. She was sentenced to 10 days in jail with credit for time served and fined $1,250.

Betty Adams -- 621-5631

badams@centralmaine.com