Woman charged for break-in, trashing kitchen sentenced to 24 months in jail | Lehigh Valley Regional News


Woman charged for break-in, trashing kitchen sentenced to 24 months in jail | Lehigh Valley Regional News

EASTON, Pa. | A woman arrested on a stream bank after breaking into a Northampton County home last year is eligible for release, following her sentencing last week.

Kimberly Landes pleaded guilty in February to single counts of criminal trespass, simple assault and resisting arrest in connection with the April 2019 break-in of a Williams Township home. Northampton County Judge Michael Koury on Friday sentenced the 38-year-old to 10 to 24 months minus a day on the criminal trespassing charge.

He also sentenced her to six to 12 months each on the assault and resisting arrest charges to be served concurrently. She will serve her sentence in county jail.

Landes has been in Northampton County Prison since her April 2019 arraignment and is eligible for parole.

State police were dispatched to a home in the first block of Hexenkopf Road in Williams Township to investigate a report of an ongoing disturbance. A trooper arrived to find Landes climbing up the stream bank just north of the house, according to court records.

The victim had told authorities that he heard a noise and started looking around his house, when he found Landes in a kitchen closet using the tire repair kit. He temporarily mollified Landes by offering her help and band-aids.

During Friday’s sentencing over Skype, defense attorney Rory Driscole told the court that Landes had a lengthy history with mental health issues and has been working with counselors during her incarceration. A representative of Pinebrook Family Answers outline for the judge the services they have and will continue to provide, including housing assistance, counseling and help with a job search.

Chief Deputy District Attorney Patricia Fuentes Mulqueen told the judge she agreed with a proposed county sentence. The victim, who is seeking nearly $500 restitution, wanted to make sure Landes received the help she needs, Mulqueen said.

Landes had been on state probation for a 2015 felony theft charge when she was arrested last year. The judge declined to re-sentence her on the probation violation but noted she could face a lengthy state prison term if she were to violate probation on her latest charges.

As part of her probation, Landes must continue counseling and mental health and drug and alcohol treatment and undergo random screenings.

Authorities said Landes damaged the victim’s kitchen and struggled with the man, who sustained small cuts to his hands a face. After leaving the first house, she broke into a neighbor’s home.

As part of a negotiated plea, prosecutors withdrew the remaining charges, including burglary and aggravated assault.


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