By Michael Booth
For the Democrat-Herald | Posted: Tuesday, July 1, 2008 12:00 am
Albany man apologizes in Benton court for crimes committed in Corvallis
CORVALLIS - A convicted Albany sex offender, accused of committing seven Corvallis burglaries that police say targeted college-age women, apologized Monday before being sentenced to five years in prison.
"I am deeply, regretfully sorry for my actions," said Bruce Allen Sitton. "I will seek better treatment, involve others in my life and stay away from addictions. That's all I have to say."
Sitton, 52, entered into a plea agreement in Benton County Circuit Court. In exchange for pleading "no contest" to burglary and attempted burglary at two separate residences in the university area, he received a 40-month sentence on the burglary charge and 20 months for attempted burglary.
The two sentences will run consecutively. Upon release, he will be on probation for three years. Sitton also was ordered to pay more than $5,000 in fines.
Sitton was arrested Dec. 14, 2007, for seven burglaries between Aug. 25 and Oct. 23, 2007. Victims reported that an intruder entered through an unlocked door or window. Police said the burglar often took personal items and sometimes touched the victims in a sexual manner.
Police said Sitton was suspected because he had a history of similar acts. They obtained a search warrant for his home in December and discovered clothing that linked him to the burglaries.
Chief Deputy District Attorney Chris Stringer said the prosecution would have sought a tougher sentence, but the victims didn't positively identify Sitton.
Although Stringer portrayed the crimes as sexually motivated in court, Sitton's attorney, Clark Willes, reminded the judge that Sitton was not pleading to charges that alleged sexual contact, only burglary in order to commit theft.
Judge David Connell, after listening to Sitton's apology, reminded him that he had a significant negative impact on his victims that was not going to go away.