Center Valley Man Pleads, Cries, Sentenced for Felony Burglary

A Center Valley man will serve 7 1/2 to 15 years in prison after pleading guilty to Allentown and Salisbury Township.

Jose Luis Torres, 38, pleaded guilty to 10 counts of felony burglary and one count of criminal conspiracy stemming from an October 2011 arrest. Police arrested Torres and to burglarizing several homes. During questioning, Breeland told police they when they were arrested Torres had just retrieved a handgun to "deliver to what she described as 'a murderer’s girlfriend.'"

The two worked with a third man, Erick Del Pilar Medina, to break into homes, stealing televisions, jewelry, guns,   the team used techniques like putting playdough in shoe treads to cover their tracks and taking glass out of window frames instead of breaking it. According to Lehigh County Chief Deputy District Attorney Charles Gallagher, the team stole items totaling approximately $87,831. 

Torres was already in Lehigh County Prison after being accused of trying to run down an Allentown police detective who was trying to serve him with a warrant, according to The Morning Call. In addition to the burglary sentence, Torres will also serve an additional 5 to 10 years on a probation violation. The two sentences will run consecutively so Torres will serve 12 1/2 to 25 years. 

Torres will also have to pay a portion of the $87,831 in restitution to the victims. Breeland and Medina will pay portions as well. 

Tearing up in front of Lehigh County District Justice Maria Dantos, Torres asked Gallagher to take a message back to victims of his crime. "I greatly apologize for the pain I have caused," said Torres. "I've learned a lot from this experience. Once I get out, I am done with a life of crime. This experience has taught me a lot and it's changed my life.