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LISBON -- A Rogers man accused of stealing money from an elderly relative over a six-year period opted out of having a trial this week and entered a guilty plea instead.
Bryce Bezdek, 47, Sprucevale Road, pleaded guilty to one count of a lesser-included offense of theft from a person in a protected class, a third-degree felony. He had originally been charged with two second-degree felony counts of theft from a person in a protected class.
Sentencing was set for 3:20 p.m. June 28 before Columbiana County Common Pleas Court Judge Megan Bickerton, who reviewed all the rights he was giving up by pleading guilty and the possible penalty he could face.
Bezdek was issued a secret indictment in April 2023 which alleged he stole money from an elderly man from April 14, 2014 to Oct. 17, 2020, with the value of the property or services stolen at least $37,500 or more, but less than $150,000.
The third-degree felony charge alleges the value of the property or services stolen is at least $7,500 or more, but less than $37,500. The charge carries a possible penalty of nine months to 36 months in prison and a $10,000 fine.
County Assistant Prosecutor Tammie Riley Jones advised the judge she will be recommending Bezdek be placed under community control or probation for five years and ordered to make restitution, noting the two sides had already reached an agreement on an amount of $25,000.
After the hearing, she said the amount was a compromise and was less than what was taken. She explained that Bezdek had the power of attorney for an elderly family member and misused the person's funds.