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Guilty plea entered in theft case

One of the people charged in connection with a theft earlier this year has pleaded guilty to several charges. James A.
Estevan Court House
Estevan Court House

One of the people charged in connection with a theft earlier this year has pleaded guilty to several charges.

James A. Cuppage, a 42-year-old Estevan resident, was one of four people charged following a break and enter to the basement of the Wicklow Centre in January. Among the items stolen were a laptop, a golf bag with a set of golf clubs, an air compressor, power tools and other construction tools.  

Cuppage pleaded guilty to break and enter, possession of stolen property under $5,000 and breaching his release conditions during Monday’s session in Estevan Provincial Court.

He admitted to being at the Wicklow at the time of the incident. He said he was intoxicated at the time, and takes full responsibility for his actions. 

He has 12 previous convictions, including three property-related convictions.

According to statements during court on Monday, an anonymous tip said the items were located in the backyard of a house in the 700-block of Second Street. A search warrant was executed and the Estevan Police Service recovered the majority of the stolen property, including the laptop, the golf clubs and the bag.

Cuppage and the three other people were charged with various infractions after the search warrant. All were charged with theft under $5,000 or possession of property obtained by crime. One of those people is a youth.

The charges for the remaining three people remain before the court.

As for Cuppage, he was sentenced to a six-month conditional sentence order and 12 months of probation. He also has to obey a 24-hour curfew, except for working, participate in an addictions program, and he cannot have contact with seven people, including two of the co-accused and the victims.

Finally, he cannot possess firearms for 10 years.