MARION COUNTY — A 23-year-old Centralia man who attempted to sell stolen property back to its owner was sentenced today in Marion County Court to 3-years in the Illinois Department of Corrections in connection with that felony burglary charge.

James T. O’Neill was initially charged with Class 2 felony burglary, Class 2 felony second possession of a weapon by a convicted felon and three Class A misdemeanor charges of theft, resisting a peace officer and criminal damage to property.

Centralia police arrested O’Neill in May after a Centralia woman said her car had been broken into, and she later noticed her tablet that had been stolen was up for sale on one of the Facebook buy, sell and trade pages.

The woman called the person listing the items and arranged to meet him; she then called police so they could watch the transaction go down.

However, O’Neill fled on foot from the meeting location when he spotted a police car in the area. Police quickly set up a perimeter and were able to apprehend O’Neal.

The weapons charge was added after it was determined O’Neill had access to a gun.
O’Neill pleaded guilty today to the two felony charges against him, with the misdemeanor charges being dismissed per the plea agreement.

He was sentenced to 3-years each on the felony charges to be served concurrently, with 2-year supervised release ordered when his prison term is completed.

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