Burglar gets 15 years, faces more time in new crime in Amsterdam

PHOTOGRAPHER: Edward Munger Jr.

A Fort Johnson man arrested while out on bail last week was sentenced to 15 years in state prison Monday in Montgomery County Court.

George A. Thomas Sr., of 159 Antlers Road, was sentenced on a second-degree burglary plea, District Attorney James “Jed” Conboy said.

Thomas pleaded guilty to the charge in February, admitting he broke into 45 Brookside Ave. in Amsterdam and took the resident to an ATM at gunpoint and robbed him. He was out on bail awaiting sentencing last week when Amsterdam Police announced they had arrested him hiding in the basement at 45 Brookside, dressed in black and carrying burglar’s tools.

Conboy said Monday’s sentencing does not take Thomas’ most-recent arrest into account.

In unrelated Montgomery County Court action Monday:

Malcolm E. Munro, 60, of 469 Dillenbeck Road., Palatine Bridge, pleaded guilty to possessing a sexual performance by a child. Munro admitted to possessing child pornography in the town of Palatine in October 2008. Munro faces a six-month jail term and 10 years of probation at a July 19 sentencing.

Rodney M. Herringshaw, 36, of 81 Maple Ave., Canajoharie, was sentenced to one to three years in state prison on a felony DWI conviction. Conboy said Herringshaw pleaded guilty in October 2008 and, while out on bail, fled to South Carolina. He was picked up in March and brought before County Court Judge Felix Catena for sentencing.

Mandy M. Pomatto, 22, of 5 New St., St. Johnsville, pleaded guilty to fourth-degree criminal possession of stolen property. Pomatto was charged with possessing another person’s vehicle without permission in December 2009. She faces a six-month jail term with five months of probation at a July 19 sentencing.