Man sentenced to 4 years for role in Sylvania home break-in

3/11/2010

One of three people charged in the break-in of a Sylvania home where the homeowner had been growing marijuana in his basement has been sentenced to prison.

Billy D. Wilkinson, 33, of 5123 Ryan Rd., was sentenced Wednesday in Lucas County Common Pleas Court to four years in prison. He had pleaded no contest Jan. 7 to one count of burglary. As part of the plea agreement, Judge Gary Cook dismissed an aggravated robbery charge and accompanying gun specifications.

Wilkinson was one of four people believed to have been involved in the Aug. 28 break-in at a Williamsburg Drive home. Authorities were called to the house about 1 a.m. after the homeowner called 911 saying he had just shot an intruder.

Responding officers found the body of Louis M. Mason, 28, of Toledo, who died of two gunshot wounds. They also found 211 marijuana plants growing in the basement at the house.

The homeowner, Clay Hausenfleck, 46, was arrested on drug charges. He pleaded guilty Jan. 22 to one count each of possession of marijuana and illegal cultivation of marijuana and was sentenced Feb. 22 to three years in prison.

Also facing charges for the break-in are David A. Irving, 31, of 3907 Bancroft St. who is charged with burglary and aggravated robbery, both with gun specifications, and Julie A. Britton, 25, of 2345 Saint Roberts Lane, who is charged with aggravated burglary and aggravated robbery, both with gun specifications.

Judge Gary Cook has scheduled an April 19 trial date for Ms. Britton and a May 3 trial date for Mr. Irving.