A man accused of stealing over $20,000 worth of fireworks, tools and other property admitted Tuesday in Albany County District Court to two of the five crimes charged against him.

Jon Barton, 31, pleaded guilty to two counts of felony burglary. The prosecution agreed to dismiss one count of theft and two other burglary charges in exchange for Barton’s guilty pleas.

Barton faces a maximum sentence of 20 years in prison and $20,000 in fines. The prosecution agreed to recommend a sentence of three to five years in prison on each conviction -- to be served concurrently -- with a request that Barton be placed in the intensive treatment unit and pay restitution as part of the plea deal.

Barton admitted Tuesday to stealing fireworks from the fireworks building about 12 miles south of Laramie on Highway 287 between Oct. 1 and Oct. 11, as well as drilling the locks on several units in order to steal tools and other items at B&H Self Storage on North 3rd St. between Oct. 1 and Nov. 31.

Barton said in court Tuesday he was addicted to heroin during that period and was high at the time of the break-ins. He said he couldn’t find a job and stealing equipment was his only way to buy more drugs.

“My intention was to be able to sell them for more substances,” said Barton.

Judge Jeffrey Donnell said Tuesday a sentencing hearing will be scheduled once the presentence investigation report is complete. Donnell ordered Barton remanded to custody pending sentencing.

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