Before Schuylkill County President Judge William E. Baldwin sentenced Alfonso "Alfie" Picone, a popular Tamaqua restaurateur, to state prison on Monday for bilking an elderly couple out of their life savings, 12 of about 75 supporters testified to his character, some asking the judge to go easy on him.

The couple's son, Kurt Burnard, testified about the impact of the theft on his parents.The judge sentenced Picone to 18 months to five years, and ordered him to repay the $319,501 he stole from Ella and John W. Burnard of Lake Hauto over the course of 2014.Before the sentence, Burnard said the theft and trial and its aftermath has caused him to miss a lot of work.He travels for his job, but had to take six weeks off to stay with his father and stepmother.Ella Burnard, who suffered from dementia and had lost her hearing, would simply smile and nod "yes" regardless of what was asked.The theft of their life savings meant the elder Burnards were unable to afford better quality care, he said.As a result, his stepmother fell and broke her hip while in a nursing home, and she died in June.Kurt Burnard had to return to work, and so had to move his father to a nursing home, but he wants to go home.His father didn't attend the sentencing, he said."He's been beaten up, and he's been beaten down," Kurt Burnard said. "He's had enough."His parents were trusting, generous and proudly independent, he said. They told him Picone was "helping" them with their finances.But he wasn't helping them, Kurt Burnard said.Picone didn't see that they went to the doctor, although he told people about Ella's mental decline."He wasn't worried about them," Kurt Burnard said. "He was worried about the money, and how much he could take."Picone and Picone's lawyer "tried to foist me right out," Kurt Burnard said.The lawyer, Leo Howell of Allentown, testified during Picone's trial that he drew up a gifting document that listed checks and their amounts, and stated that they were gifts to Picone and did not have to be repaid. He and Picone had Ella Burnard sign it at Picone's family's restaurant, La Dolce Casa.Baldwin called the document a farce.Among those testifying on Picone's behalf was Coaldale Mayor Joel Johnson.Picone is a "caring, humble, respectful man" who "unselfishly donated his time and effort" to the community," Johnson said.Jessica Tirpak said Picone held a fundraiser for three of her relatives who were killed in a car crash. He also donated food to firefighters battling an industrial blaze.Lois Kuba spoke of Picone's generous support of community charitable organizations and his deep religious faith.Stephen Roman spoke of Picone's willingness to help those in need."The charges do not fit the man or his legacy," Roman said.John Sienkiewicz told of Picone's encouragement and compassion after the Sienkiewicz's daughter died of a drug overdose. It was with Picone's support that they founded an organization to help addicts in recovery, "Safer Streets for Tamaqua's Little Feet."Major Sharon Whispell of the Salvation Army in Tamaqua said Picone provided free or mostly free food for events."He has a heart of gold," she said.Bruce Krell described Picone as a philanthropist who is compassionate and generous.Lavina Dean spoke of Picone's kindness, compassion, and constant giving.Lisa Davies described Picone's close relationship with her 88-year old father, who cherishes his weekly lunches at La Dolce Casa.Jennifer Paisley said Picone has "dedicated his life to building his business."He was always friendly and emotionally connected, and "grieved for Ella."Michelle Krell said that "personally, I have been blessed by this man."She said he "gives selflessly, asking nothing in return."Kendra A. Baldini, who said she is in a relationship with Picone's brother, said he is the godfather of one of their children. She described Picone as kindhearted, generous and hard working.After defense lawyer Ross M. Miller asked everyone who was there on Picone's behalf to stand up, Baldwin wondered aloud if they would be as supportive had it been their parents' life savings he had stolen.