Woman gets suspended sentence for June Rockford burglaries

By Bob Steenson, bsteenson@charlescitypress.com

A Charles City woman received a suspended jail sentence and three to five years of probation after pleading guilty to helping break into a home in Rockford three different times in June this year.

Sarah Sue Schilling, age 40, had been charged with three counts of burglary in the third degree, each a Class D felony, and one count of criminal mischief in the second degree, also a Class D felony.

Last Tuesday, Sept. 7, she filed a written plea of guilty to one count of burglary in the third degree in a plea agreement that included a recommendation from the Floyd County Attorney’s office for a sentence of up to five years in prison, fully suspended; three to five years probation; $1,025 fine plus 15% surcharge, fully suspended; make full restitution on all three counts; and agree to testify against any co-defendants.

On Wednesday, District Court Judge Peter Newell went along with the sentencing recommendation and dismissed the other two burglary charges and the criminal mischief charge.

Damages to be reimbursed were listed as $3,900 in items taken from the home in the 1200 block of 215th Street in Rockford on June 9, June 12 and June 15. The most valuable items were a gun safe valued at $1,350, a television valued at $800 and a .22-calibre revolver valued at $650.

A Mason City man is also facing charges for the alleged same burglaries.

Ryan Matthew Allen, age 38, was charged with three counts of burglary in the third degree and one count of criminal mischief in the second degree, all Class D felonies, in relation to the alleged three June events.

Allen has pleaded not guilty and a trial is scheduled for Oct. 21 in Floyd County District Court.

Allen is currently released from custody under the supervision of the Iowa Department of Correctional Services.