Two men facing six felony crimes - including explosives charges - sighed in relief Monday after pleading guilty to lesser charges that will keep at least one of them out of prison.
Michael Franklin Reed, 28, and Donald Timberman, 19, appeared in Judge Robey Willis's justice courtroom for a preliminary hearing on shoplifting, burglary, and possession of explosives, burglary tools and stolen property.
The plea agreements reduced the charges to misdemeanor theft and felony possession of burglary tools for Reed, and misdemeanor theft for Timberman. Timberman was subsequently sentenced to 13 days time served.
The men were arrested after an Aug. 20 traffic stop for speeding near the intersection of Edmonds and Fairview drives. The arresting officer questioned the men when he saw them attempting to cover up two baskets from Albertson's in the back seat.
A search of the car revealed blasting caps and burglary tools, in addition to property stolen from Albertson's. The blasting caps - commonly used to ignite explosives - were destroyed by the Tahoe-Douglas bomb squad.
Timberman said he plans to join the Navy, a decision Willis said was a step towards improving his life. "Let's hope this one scrape with the law will be your wake-up call."
Reed was released without bail, but will be back to face the felony charge at his district court arraignment.
