Lawrence man sentenced in storage unit thefts

A 33-year-old Lawrence man has been sentenced to two years of probation for his role in more than a dozen burglaries from storage units around the city.

Jacob P. Paine was sentenced last week to 24 months of probation, while two other defendants are scheduled for hearings Nov. 13 on up to a dozen charges each.

Police say the thieves got away with more than $77,000 in merchandise, most of which has been returned to its owners. Investigators believe most of the thefts were related to methamphetamine use.

Paine initially faced more than a dozen charges before he pleaded guilty last month to three felony burglary counts involving thefts from storage units at an apartment complex.

He could be sent to prison for 26 months if he violates his probation.