The fourth suspect in theft incidents involving a Carbon County freight company pleaded guilty in the county court and is facing a state prison term.

Martin Phillip Konze, 46, of Palmerton, pleaded to one count each of criminal trespass, criminal conspiracy-theft and theft, all felonies.He was charged for his part in a theft incident at the New England Motor Freight Company property in Mahoning Township on March 9, 2016.Also charged in the case were Daniel Gruber, 42, of Lehighton, dock supervisor at New England Motor Freight; Ryan Dillman, 28, and Nicholas Sickonic, 22, both of Palmerton.Gruber, Dillman and Sickonic previously pleaded to charges for their part in the incident and have already been sentenced.Judge Joseph J. Matika accepted the pleas, but deferred sentencing, ordering the adult probation office to prepare a presentence investigation report. He told Konze he faces a minimum of 24 months in prison, which is a state term.According to the affidavit of probable cause filed by township police Chief Audie Mertz:At 3:45 a.m., NEMF reported a burglary/theft involving a cut in the fencing surrounding the facility.Police found a trail cut through the woods leading across a stream to the rear of a business on Ashtown Drive. Along the trail a large volume of merchandise was found.Police seized more than $6,000 in merchandise, which included more than 30 automotive tires, tools, plumbing fixtures, furniture and clothing. Additional items seized by police included fishing waders.As part of the investigation, search warrants were served on a vehicle and a residence in Palmerton.Police also seized merchandise from a building on First Street in Lehighton, and another residence in Palmerton.These items included power tools, plumbing fixtures, tires, clothing, hand tools, a large number of Xbox One systems and liquor.Police said their investigation indicated that Gruber and Konze had planned the thefts.