The defense attorney said his client hit "rock bottom."

Jesus Michael Cano was unemployed, couldn't make ends meet, couldn't pay child support and, his attorney said, consequently, couldn't see his child.

So Cano came up with a plan to burglarize a home in Martic Township.

"He chose poorly," defense attorney Cory Miller told Judge David Ashworth on Wednesday.

Within days of the burglary, state police had arrested Cano and his co-conspirator.

Cano, 25, of Strasburg, pleaded guilty in March and was sentenced Wednesday to nine to 23 months in prison, plus three years of probation.

"I just want to express my apologies, my deepest regrets for my actions," Cano told Ashworth.

"There's no excuse for what I did. I just want everyone to know I am truly sorry."

In addition to burglary, conspiracy and theft, Cano also was sentenced for access device fraud and welfare fraud.

Ashworth said he was impressed by a letter Cano had written to him expressing remorse.

The letter, Ashworth added, demonstrated that Cano has a great deal of potential but "made a horrible choice."

"You're fortunate you have people who care about you," Ashworth said, referring to Cano's parents and girlfriend, who were in attendance. "Don't waste it."

Miller said his client has no prior criminal record and is a high school graduate.

Since his arrest, Miller added, Cano has found a job and has paid back all the money he owed in child support.

Ashworth made Cano eligible for the work-release program so he can begin repaying the nearly $9,000 in restitution he owes.

At the time of the arrest, police said electronic and hunting items were stolen from the Martic Township home while the residents were at work.

Assistant District Attorney Mark Fetterman said that while Cano has been cooperative, "he's old enough to know better."

As a burglar, Fetterman said, Cano has changed the lives of the homeowners.

"These victims are never going to be the same."

In addition to prison and probation, Cano was ordered to perform 100 hours of community service.

• Also in court on Wednesday, Ashworth sentenced another thief to three years' probation for theft by deception and ordered him to pay $951 restitution.

Justin Root, 24, Ephrata, also was unemployed when he resorted to crime, defense attorney David Lewis told Ashworth.

Root has suffered from depression for years, Lewis said, but cannot afford treatment because he has no health insurance.

Until he finds work, Lewis said, Root is living with his brother and his girlfriend, caring for their child, the house and yard while his brother is at work and the girlfriend receives treatment for health issues.

jkelley@lnpnews.com