Wyatt Janz, 20, pleaded guilty on Wednesday in district court in Minot to Class C felony conspiracy to commit burglary, Class C felony conspiracy to commit theft, Class A misdemeanor conspiracy to commit criminal mischief, and Class A misdemeanor making a false report to law enforcement on Feb. 19, 2019, in Ward County and to Class B felony conspiracy to commit criminal mischief in McHenry County in another file. The state dismissed a Class A felony conspiracy to commit theft and a Class C felony conspiracy to commit theft charge against Janz under the terms of a plea deal.

North Central District Court Judge Todd Cresap sentenced Janz to five years in prison, all suspended but the 75 days he has already served in jail, and two years of supervised probation and ordered him to complete 160 hours of community service, pay restitution of about $6,300 and court costs and to obtain a chemical dependency evaluation. The sentences on all the charges are concurrent.

Janz apologized for his crimes and his lawyer said he intends to pay restitution to his victims and does not intend to get in trouble again. The lawyer said he hopes the results of the chemical dependency evaluation and follow-up treatment will help Janz avoid more trouble. Janz had no prior criminal record.

His co-defendant, Shane Kittleson, was previously sentenced to 20 years, with a requirement that he serve five years, and three years of probation for related charges in August 2020. Kittleson was also ordered to pay restitution.

According to court documents, Kittleson and Janz conspired to steal a vehicle valued at more than $50,000, conspired to steal a trailer, conspired to steal a firearm, and conspired to commit a burglary. They also reportedly drove through a fence at Minot Welding in commission of a crime. Janz also provided false information to police.