Alford Plea in Scrap Metal Case

(BOWLING GFEEN)--  An Illinois man whom authorities say cut apart a Mississippi River barge has been sentenced to two years of probation and restitution of more than 10 thousand dollars.

32-year-old Jeremy McKinnon of Pleasant Hill entered an Alford plea Monday to an amended charge of misdemeanor second degree property damage. He didn’t admit guilt, but agrees there is probably enough evidence to convict him if the case went to trial. He originally was charged with felony property damage and theft.

The probation will be supervised until McKinnon pays back 10 thousand 582 dollars and 70 cents.

Authorities in Pike County Missouri reported catching McKinnon in the act of using a torch to cut pieces off the barge about four miles south of Clarksville last October. Investigators said McKinnon was selling the chunks as scrap.