September 7, 2012

Readfield man, who took advantage of churchgoers, pleads guilty to burglaries, thefts

By Betty Adams badams@centralmaine.com
Staff Writer

AUGUSTA -- A Readfield man pleaded guilty Thursday to six burglaries and six thefts that occurred last spring while the victims attended church events.

Jarrod Bilodeau

Jarrod Z. Bilodeau, 27, admitted to stealing jewelry and other items from homes in Augusta, Farmingdale, Vassalboro, Wayne and Winthrop, between Nov. 17 and Dec. 12.

Assistant District Attorney Brad Grant told the judge in Kennebec County Superior Court that all the victims were members of Jehovah's Witnesses, and they realized the times and dates of the crimes corresponded to when they were at church meetings.

He said some burglary victims said they considered Bilodeau family, but later became suspicious of his activities, and worked with law enforcement. Bilodeau's connection to the church was not specified further.

Some victims found pieces of their jewelry at various stores where Bilodeau had sold them, Grant said. He said they were still calculating restitution.

Grant and Bilodeau's attorney Adam Sherman jointly recommended a sentence of four years in jail with all but six months suspended and three years probation.

Justice Michaela Murphy accepted the guilty pleas and continued the hearing for sentencing later this month so she could hear from the victims, all of whom asked to be present, according to the prosecutor's office.

Bilodeau said he did not anticipate anyone speaking on his behalf.

A charge of criminal mischief, involving the destruction of utility wires in Winthrop on Nov. 18, was dismissed in exchange for the pleas.

 

Betty Adams -- 621-5631

badams@centralmaine.com

 

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