Build-A-Bear Gift Card Thief Pleads Guilty

Justin Lebourdais pleaded guilty to burglary, theft and receiving stolen property in Kennebec County Superior Court on Tuesday

A Maine man has pleaded guilty to breaking into neighbors' homes and stealing items, including eight Build-a-Bear gift cards intended to be Christmas presents for children.

The Kennebec Journal reports that Justin Lebourdais pleaded guilty to burglary, theft and receiving stolen property in Kennebec County Superior Court on Tuesday. Several charges were dismissed in exchange for his plea.

Investigators say the 30-year-old Lebourdais of Winthrop gave the stolen gift cards to his wife, who used four of them to order a bear online that was sent to her address.

Also stolen was an engraved handgun presented to a victim's husband after retiring from the Kennebec County Sheriff's Office.

Lebourdais will serve 100 days of a four-year jail sentence, with the remainder suspended. He was also ordered to pay $3,455 in restitution.

Copyright AP - Associated Press
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