By Janice Gregorson
gregor@postbulletin.com
One of six people accused of coming to Rochester with a shopping list and plans to steal thousands of dollars worth of merchandise from city businesses has been sentenced to prison.
Gregory Christopher Edmondson, 30, no address, pleaded guilty Friday to conspiracy to commit theft by check.
Judge Joseph Chase sentenced him to 13 months in prison. He will receive credit for time served in jail since his arrest Sept. 28. He also was ordered to pay restitution of $717.46.
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In all, six people were arrested and charged. All but one has entered a plea.
The six were charged with a string of felony charges in connection with what authorities described as an elaborate scheme. They said the group worked as part of a large theft ring out of North Carolina. Officials said they weren’t sure what brought the suspects to Rochester, other than some information that one of the ringleaders in North Carolina might have had a friend in jail in Rochester.
Police said the crew had a shopping list they were working from and intended to buy high-ticket items from eight Rochester businesses to be taken back to North Carolina. They were arrested while loading some items purchased at Menards South.
On Friday, Rita Osborne, 43, of Gastonia, N.C., pleaded guilty to aiding and abetting in theft by check. She will be sentenced Jan. 12.
Faith Shoemore, 30, no address, pleaded guilty to conspiracy to commit theft by check on Oct. 30 and will be sentenced Dec. 18.
Raymond Earl Conner, 39, no address, pleaded guilty to conspiracy to commit theft by check on Nov. 4 and is to be sentenced Dec. 22.
David Todd Shempert, 20, no address, pleaded guilty to aiding and abetting theft by check on Nov. 14 and is to be sentenced Dec. 22.
The case against Clarence Edward Monks, 60, no address, has not been resolved. An omnibus hearing is set for Jan. 6.
