Deferred sentence in laptop theft case
Toolbox
By Gordon Dritschilo Herald Staff - Published: December 5, 2008
A Rutland man might not see any jail time for his role in the theft of a laptop containing unreleased images of Anna Nicole Smith.
Brennan E. Bigelow, 18, of Moon Brook Drive, received a deferred sentence Thursday in Rutland District Court. He had pleaded guilty earlier this year to felony charges of possession of stolen property and aiding in the commission of a felony along with a misdemeanor charge of violating his conditions of release.
Judge Thomas Zonay deferred Bigelow's sentence for five years, meaning that if he observes a set of court-imposed probation conditions during that time, his record will be expunged.
Bigelow is still facing four unrelated charges, two of violating an abuse prevention order and two of violating his conditions of release. All stem from incidents earlier this year, according to court records.
Special conditions of Bigelow's probation include not drinking or possessing alcohol, undergoing a drug and alcohol screening and any treatment ordered by his probation officer, attending any mental health counseling ordered by his probation officer and following a curfew.
He will also make reparations, according to court records.
Police said Bigelow was one of several youths involved in the theft of the laptop from Edgewood Studios last year. The laptop was one of several items taken from Howe Center businesses, but by far the most valuable, according to police.
The break-ins followed the violent windstorm that knocked out power to much of the city in April 2007. Police said Howe Center still had electricity and security cameras caught the burglars in the act.
The laptop was recovered a few days later. It contained photos of Anna Nicole Smith taken when the late model/actress was in Rutland filming "Illegal Aliens" for Edgewood. It was her final film.
Bigelow was one of six people charged. No other cases were resolved Thursday.
Contact Gordon Dritschilo at gordon.dritschilo@rutlandherald.com.
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