New Milford Home Invader Gets 5 Years

NEW MILFORD, CT — Michael Saunders, a New Milford man accused of assaulting his elderly neighbors after invading their home brandishing a wooden two-by-four, has accepted a plea deal that will put him in prison for five years, the News Times is reporting.

Saunders pleaded guilty under the Alford Doctrine, indicating he disputes some of the facts of the case, but admits the state has enough evidence for a conviction. He was charged with one count of first-degree burglary and second-degree assault on a person over the age of 60.

The deal calls for a 10-year prison sentence suspended once five years are served. On his release, Saunders will be required to serve 5 years of probation.

Bee Finkle, 61, suffered a concussion and her husband Mike had cuts along his arms and hands as a result of their struggle with Saunders, who forced his way into their home in June 2017.

Saunders will likely be sentenced Dec. 14 in Litchfield Superior Court.

For more, see the News Times.