Man sentenced for theft

EPHRATA - A Moses Lake man held at gunpoint, while he was trying to steal pieces of equipment, will serve a year in prison.

David A. Thornton, 54, pleaded guilty to attempted theft in the first degree and criminal trespass in the second degree in Grant County Superior Court.

The charges weren't changed in the case, according to court records.

Thornton had prior convictions for possession of prescription drugs without a prescription and three counts of theft in the second degree. Combined with his current crimes, he faced a sentencing range of 10 and a half months in jail to 13 months in prison.

Grant County Superior Court Judge John Antosz followed the prosecutor's recommendation, sentencing Thornton to a year in prison.

Prior to discovering Thornton on his property, the victim suspected someone stole two complete unused irrigation circle sections from his property, according to a Grant County sheriff's report. The victim used the scrap metal to create corrals for his bucking stock.

The farmer reportedly discovered Thornton and Johnny F. Philp on a remote section of his property two days after discovering the theft, according to court records. The men were allegedly using an oxyacetylene torch to cut apart a paving roller. The victim held the men at gunpoint, using a rifle, while he contacted an off-duty sheriff's deputy.

Thornton admitted to attempting to steal part of the irrigation sections, according to the police report.

Philp initially denied the theft, reportedly telling investigators he had permission to take the metal. He allegedly later told police Thornton was the one who gave him the information.

Philp remains charged with attempted theft in the first degree and criminal trespassing in the second degree in Grant County Superior Court.