Plea Deal Nets Misdemeanor Sentence For Former Basler Worker

A former employee of Basler Turbo Conversions in Oshkosh, WI -- who faced six counts of burglary and theft for stealing aircraft parts valued at more than $100,000 -- received a relatively light sentence in Winnebago County Circuit Court recently.

The Oshkosh Northwestern reports Brian A. Francart, 27, pleaded no contest Friday to one count of misdemeanor theft of movable property. In exchange for his plea, the five other counts were dismissed. He received one year of probation, and a 30-day jail sentence -- which was deferred.

As ANN reported, Basler employees noticed airplane parts missing from storage barns -- including a pair of $85,000 landing skids -- and notified the local sheriff. Some of the missing parts were found in Francart's truck and trailer.

Francart told police he got the parts from a field on the outskirts of the city, adding "some guy in a bar" told him he could find the parts there, and that the man also suggested they rent a truck to pick up more 'scrap metal' from barns belonging to Basler, according to the police complaint.

Had he been convicted of all charges, Francart faced over 48 years in jail, and more than $100,000 in fines... so a year's probation isn't too bad.

FMI: www.aero-news.net; www.baslerturbo.com