OTHO — An Otho man will be spending three years on supervised probation after pleading guilty to burglary and arson charges related to a break-in at the Otho Convenience Store in February.

According to the criminal complaint from the Webster County Sheriff’s Office, Ryan Tanner Johnson, 33, broke into the Otho store at 210 N. Highway St., by using a hammer to break a glass door to enter the store at about 3:11 a.m. on Feb. 21.

During the burglary, Johnson had a propane torch in his possession and used it to light a fire on the floor of the kitchen area, causing minimal damage, according to the reports.

Johnson also removed “multiple items” from the store, including a cash register, cash and alcohol. The total value of the stolen property was estimated at $1,185.50.

He was found in the store by the store manager, Kandi Lowe, who arrived shortly after being notified by the business’ security company. She and her family were able to keep Johnson on the scene until law enforcement arrived and placed him under arrest.

Johnson was initially charged with second-degree burglary, a Class C felony; third-degree theft, an aggravated misdemeanor; and second-degree arson, a Class C felony.

Johnson pleaded guilty last week in a plea agreement with the Webster County Attorney’s Office. The Webster County Attorney’s Office dismissed the third-degree theft charge and Johnson pleaded guilty to the burglary and arson charges.

For the third-degree burglary conviction, District Court Judge Angela Doyle sentenced Johnson to a suspended five-year prison sentence, placing him on supervised probation for three years.

The second-degree arson conviction came with a suspended 10-year prison sentence, also with three years of probation.

If Johnson violates the terms of his probation, his five- and 10-year prison sentences will be served consecutively.

Two fines totalling $2,390 plus a 15% criminal surcharge were also suspended.

Under Doyle’s sentencing order, while Johnson is on probation, he will be required to live in a residential treatment facility, though none was specifically named. Doyle also determined that Johnson had the reasonable ability to pay up to $480 in restitution.

Johnson is also ordered to have no contact with the Otho Convenience Store until June 3, 2023.