Man given time-served sentence for break-ins

A Palmerton man was given a time-served sentence for a series of break-ins along with other criminal counts during a sentencing proceeding on Monday.

Robert Harrison Bunch, 25, was sentenced by Senior Judge Richard W. Webb to serve 277 days (time-served) to 23 months in prison on charges of burglary, theft, forgery, receiving stolen property and criminal mischief.

Bunch was arrested by state police and borough police for incidents that occurred in January, February and March of 2008.

Bunch was also ordered to make restitution totaling over $19,000 to various victims.

Bunch admitted to a long-term drug addiction problem but defense Atty. Joseph Perilli said his client went through and successfully completed the Salvation Army drug treatment program. The program is a inpatient placement in a facility in Scranton and lasts for a year with very strict conditions.

Webb said he is familiar with the program and believes it is one of the best offered to persons addicted to drugs.

Webb said because of his efforts to get his life back on track and his successful completion of the Salvation Army program he would sentence Bunch to time served. He will also have to serve two years probation after the prison term is completed.

Bunch was also ordered to supply a DNA sample, zero tolerance on drug or alcohol use imposed, and render 50 hours of community service.