Former Vinita Police officer sentenced for burglaries

(Vinita-AP) -- A former Vinita police officer, who confessed to committing burglaries while on duty has received the maximum sentence for his crime. <br><br>Richard Alan Schuyler was sentenced to more

Thursday, January 16th 2003, 12:00 am

By: News On 6

(Vinita-AP) -- A former Vinita police officer, who confessed to committing burglaries while on duty has received the maximum sentence for his crime.

Richard Alan Schuyler was sentenced to more than 40 years in prison on four second-degree burglary counts, a count of knowingly concealing stolen property and for use of a firearm while committing a felony.

Mark Champion who also confessed to the four burglary counts and concealing stolen property, is free on a 50-thousand dollar bond and scheduled to appear in court in March.

Prosecutors say Champion and Styler were involved in seven burglaries in December 2001 at four Vignette businesses.

Police say Styler used his police vehicle to transport stolen property twice while on duty. The men stole televisions, D-V-D players, household furnishings, power tools, appliances and lumber.

Police say Styler would tell Champion about unsecured businesses while on duty and Champion would show up and steal items.