A Weatherly area man who operated a "chop shop" out of his home was sentenced to a state prison term Thursday in Carbon County court.

Edwin Juan Torres, 34, of 194 Ten Point Lane, Lausanne Township, was sentenced by Senior Judge Richard W. Webb to serve a total of five to 10 years on charges of possesson of prohibited offensive weapons, receiving stolen property, owning and operating a chop shop and possession of a firearm by a convicted felon.Torres was arrested by state police at Hazleton after they served a search warrant on his property which followed an extensive investigation. Troopers said Torres and a co-defendant would steal items, mostly All Terran Vehicles (ATV), in the Allentown area, where he is a native, and bring them back to Weathelry to dismantle them. Troopers also found several guns on the property.Torres, who can not read or write, claimed he was a follower and his co-defendant, Michael Stewart, was the one who led him to stealing. Stewart also pleaded guilty in the case and is scheduled for sentencing next week.However, Trooper James Surmick said Torres was a leader. He said even after he was incarcerated on the charges he arranged for some other weapons hidden on the property to be removed. Surmick said Torres sold the stolen guns for a profit to whoever would buy them. Those guns were then on the street and used in crimes. Surmick said, "The state police lost two troopers recently who were shot with stolen guns." Surmick also said Torres offered no cooperation when arrested.In addition to the prison time Torres, who has a prior criminal record, was ordered to make total restitution of $424, get a mental health evaluation and follow any recommendation for treatment, have no contact with his co-defendant or any of the victims, and pay court costs.Torres, who has been in custody since his arrest, was given credit for 282 days spent in prison on the charges.