A Lehighton man was sentenced to a county prison term on Tuesday after entering a guilty plea in a theft case in the county court.

He was one of four defendants in pending criminal cases to enter a guilty plea before President Judge Roger N. Nanovic II.

Walmart thefts

Michael Paul Wertman, 41, pleaded to one count of criminal conspiracy – retail theft. He and his wife were arrested on Jan. 23, 2021, by Mahoning Township police at the Walmart store for stealing $319.13 worth of merchandise. The couple fled the store but employees got the license plate number on their vehicle, which led to their arrest.

His wife, Amy Wertman, previously pleaded to a theft count and was placed on probation for six months.

Nanovic noted a prior criminal record for Wertman in Pennsylvania and another state.

Nanovic sentenced him to serve three to one day less 24 months in prison and ordered he get both drug and alcohol and mental health evaluations, zero tolerance imposed on drug or alcohol use, supply a DNA sample and make restitution of $159.56 to Walmart, his share of the items taken.

He will begin the jail term at 5 p.m. on March 8.

Robin L. Stayathome, 46, of Tamaqua, pleaded to one count of retail theft, as a felony 3, for an incident on July 23, 2021, at the Walmart store. She took $31.43 worth of merchandise.

She was placed on probation for 18 months and ordered to make restitution of $31.43 and supply a DNA sample.

Wesley A. Sanchez, 33, of Lehighton, pleaded to one count of statement under penalty, a misdemeanor 3. In exchange for the plea a felony 3 charge of materially false written statement was dropped in a plea deal.

He was arrested by Mahoning Township police for an incident on June 14, 2019, when he attempted to purchase a firearm at the Walmart store when he is prohibited from doing so because of a prior felony conviction.

Nanovic noted a prior criminal record for Sanchez.

Sanchez was sentenced to serve one to 12 months in the county prison and ordered to get a drug and alcohol evaluation and zero tolerance for drug or alcohol use.

He will begin the jail term at 4 p.m. on March 18 and serve it on consecutive two-day weekends.

Tabatha Lynn Young, 44, of Lansford, pleaded to one count of criminal conspiracy - retail theft. She was arrested on Oct. 14, 2016, by Mahoning Township police at the Walmart store.

She was placed on probation for a year and ordered to supply a DNA sample and stay out of the store. There was no restitution as the stolen items were recovered.

Each defendant must also pay court costs of over $1,000 and pay a $50 per month supervision fee while on probation or parole.