A Luzerne County man who bilked a Carbon County bank out of a big amount of cash was placed in a special probation program on Monday in the county court.

He was placed in the county’s Accelerated Rehabilitation Disposition probation program by Judge Joseph J. Matika.

If a person successfully completes all conditions of the program then their record will be wiped clean. However, if they fail to complete the program, or are revoked from it, then they would face trial on all pending charges. A person does not admit guilt in entering the program.

Anthony J. Pleban, 40, of Hazleton, was placed in the program on three felony 3 counts of theft by deception, theft by unlawful taking and receiving stolen property.

Lansford police filed the charges following an investigation. Police said Pleban opened accounts with the KeyBank branch in the borough either in person, by phone or online. The police indicated he used locations of four states to open the accounts. In all he managed to accumulate over $25,000 in the accounts.

On Monday he was scheduled to be placed in the program for a year provided he made full restitution of the amount sought. His attorney, Paul J. Levy, said his client did not have the full amount and asked the court for a delay so he could speak with District Attorney Michael S. Greek about the matter.

Following a period of time Levy returned, stating that Greek had agreed to continue to recommend the ARD placement but it would be for two years. Matika said he would accept that.

Matika placed Pleban for two years and ordered he make restitution to the bank of $24,802.39, pay an assessment fee of $650 to pay for the cost of the program and render 100 hours of community service.

He must also pay court costs of about $1,000 and a $50 per month supervision fee while in the program.