A Forsyth County man has pleaded guilty to committing four residential burglaries that took place in late 2012. Austin Schwartzenberger, 22, received a 12-year sentence, of which most will be served on probation. Schwatzenberger turned himself into the Forsyth County Sheriff’s Office in December after investigators issued a lookout for his arrest. Fingerprint evidence was used to identify him as a suspect in the four home burglaries that occurred between Nov. 26 and Dec. 5 on: Ballybandon Court in Fieldstone Park; Bennett Parkway in Bethelview Downs; Huntington Crest Lane in Coventry; and Polo Fields Parkway in the Polo Fields. According to the sheriff’s office, a man had been ringing doorbells at homes and, if no one answered, would enter them through a back window. Jewelry, wallets and small electronics were among the items taken, which were then sold at pawn shops for cash, authorities said. Schwartzenberger entered his negotiated plea on Aug. 21 in Forsyth County Superior Court. The terms state that he will serve up to two years in prison, suspended upon entry and completion of an 18- to 24-month substance abuse treatment program. The remainder of his sentence will be completed on probation. Schwartzenberger was fined $1,355 and must complete 120 hours of community service. He will also pay $7,650 in restitution for the victims of the burglaries and have no contact with them.
A Forsyth County man has pleaded guilty to committing four residential burglaries that took place in late 2012. Austin Schwartzenberger, 22, received a 12-year sentence, of which most will be served on probation. Schwatzenberger turned himself into the Forsyth County Sheriff’s Office in December after investigators issued a lookout for his arrest. Fingerprint evidence was used to identify him as a suspect in the four home burglaries that occurred between Nov. 26 and Dec. 5 on: Ballybandon Court in Fieldstone Park; Bennett Parkway in Bethelview Downs; Huntington Crest Lane in Coventry; and Polo Fields Parkway in the Polo Fields. According to the sheriff’s office, a man had been ringing doorbells at homes and, if no one answered, would enter them through a back window. Jewelry, wallets and small electronics were among the items taken, which were then sold at pawn shops for cash, authorities said. Schwartzenberger entered his negotiated plea on Aug. 21 in Forsyth County Superior Court. The terms state that he will serve up to two years in prison, suspended upon entry and completion of an 18- to 24-month substance abuse treatment program. The remainder of his sentence will be completed on probation. Schwartzenberger was fined $1,355 and must complete 120 hours of community service. He will also pay $7,650 in restitution for the victims of the burglaries and have no contact with them.
