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WILKES-BARRE — There is a chance one of two men accused with smashing windows at two businesses in Kingston earlier this year may receive probation.

Victor Anthony Robles, 19, of Market Street, Kingston, is expected to submit an application to determine if he qualifies for the Intermediate Punishment Program, a special probationary sentence in Luzerne County.

Robles on Thursday pleaded guilty to criminal mischief, possessing instruments of crime and criminal conspiracy for his alleged role in smashing windows at KJ’s Pickle Barrel and Cee Kay Auto at 355 Market St. on Jan. 22.

Judge Michael T. Vough accepted Robles’ plea agreement reached between Assistant District Attorney Michelle Hardik and Attorney Jonathan Blum. Charges of reckless endangerment and two counts of criminal conspiracy were withdrawn against Robles.

Hardik said Robles used a pellet gun and a sling shot to smash the windows at the two businesses located in the same building.

Police also charged Dalton Joseph Plath, 22, last known address as Boston Hill, Larksville, with conspiring with Robles to smash windows.

Plath appeared for a preliminary hearing in Luzerne County Central Court on Wednesday when District Judge Daniel O’Donnell forwarded 19 counts of criminal conspiracy, 18 counts of criminal mischief and one count each of possessing instruments of crime and reckless endangerment to county court.

Plath remains jailed for lack of $50,000 bail.

Kingston police allege a surveillance camera recorded two men walking out of Robles’ residence, which is across the street from the two businesses, and one of the men kneeling in a doorway. A cracking sound is heard on the video and the same thing happens several times, court records say.

Vough said Robles can apply to be accepted into the county’s IPP special probation program but it’s not a guarantee. Robles was released from the county correctional facility Thursday when Vough modified his bail from $25,000 straight to unsecured. Robles had been jailed since his arrest Jan. 27.

Robles is scheduled to be sentenced June 7.

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By Ed Lewis

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