[MSN] Men who stole famous guitars sentenced

[Museum Security Network Mailinglist]

Men who stole famous guitars sentenced
8:59 AM September 4

Two men have been sentenced to probation for stealing guitars once used by Faith Hill and Nickelback.

Jeffrey H. Lanahan, 44, of Annapolis, stole at least a dozen instruments from his employer, Paul Reed Smith Guitars. He gave them to Michael J. Kelly, 42, of Arnold, who passed them along to another man, who sold them on the eBay auction Web site.

Lanahan and Kelly, who had pleaded guilty, were sentenced Friday. Circuit Judge Ronald A. Silkworth ordered Lanahan to serve three months of house arrest and five years of probation. Kelly was sentenced to three years' probation.

Both men must undergo evaluation for drugs and alcohol, as well as pay restitution for the stolen guitars. Of the nearly $US60,000 ($A78,385.26) worth of guitars, all but $US21,050 ($A27,500.16) worth were recovered. Lanahan agreed to pay $US21,050 ($A27,500.16) in restitution, while Kelly will pay $US5,000 ($A6,532.11).

Lanahan and Kelly apologized for their actions.

"I really regret what I did - I'm really embarrassed about it," Lanahan said. "I still feel like at times that I have a red letter on me."

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