A Tamaqua man, who admitted his part in stealing railroad signs, entered a guilty plea in Carbon County court on Tuesday and was sentenced to a prison term.

David L. Seibel, 51, pleaded to one count each of persistent disorderly conduct and damages to railroad property.

He was originally charged with eight criminal counts including theft, receiving stolen property, criminal conspiracy-theft and recklessly endangering another person. All were dropped in a plea deal.

Seibel was charged by Reading & Northern Railroad police with taking signs in the Tonali crossing area in Nesquehoning. However, it was noted that multiple signs were taken at various locations over a period of months owned by the railroad and some of the items taken resulted in a danger to the public for warning signs not working due to the damages and thefts involved.

Nanovic rejected a request for a probation period. He noted that Seibel repeatedly denied his involvement in the incidents.

The judge also said he was concerned that the thefts of some of the signs presented a danger to the public.

Nanovic sentenced Seibel to serve one to 12 months in prison and ordered he get a drug and alcohol evaluation and follow any recommendation for treatment, make restitution of $1,017.46 to the railroad for damages, which is a half-share because there is a co-defendant in the case, pay court costs of over $1,000 and pay a $50 per month supervision fee while on parole.

He will begin the jail term at 9 a.m. on March 7.