A Carbon County man, who was the apparent victim of a burglary, but ended up becoming a defendant in a criminal case, was placed in a probation program Tuesday in the county court.

James Francis Allesch, 59, of Lehighton, was placed in Carbon County's Accelerated Rehabilitation Disposition probation program for first-time offenders by Judge Joseph J. Matika on the recommendation of the district attorney's office.Mahoning Township police filed charges against Allesch following an unusual set of circumstances.On Oct. 15, 2014, township police were called to the Arby's restaurant, located off Route 443 at the Carbon Plaza Mall, for a report of two safes found inside the restaurant's dumpster.The safes contained methamphetamine, glassine baggies, a digital scale, and pipes with burnt residue inside. One safe also contained identification cards and personal items belonging to Allesch of Hemlock Drive. The investigation led to the discovery of a burglary at Allesch's home.Police said Allesch admitted the drug items found in the safes were used to ingest, package and distribute crystal methamphetamine.Police charged Allesch with possession with intent to manufacture or deliver a controlled substance, unlawful possession of a controlled substance, and possession of drug paraphernalia.Matika placed Allesch in the program on all the charges for a year and ordered him to get a drug and alcohol evaluation and follow any recommendations for treatment, render 50 hours of community service, pay a $450 fee for the cost of the program, pay court costs of about $1,000, and pay a $50 per month supervision fee while in the program.Allesch did not admit any guilt in entering the program.