Thief who left phone behind gets 26 years

ROCKVILLE, Md., July 29 (UPI) -- A burglar who left his cellphone plugged in at a victim's home before fleeing was sentenced to more than 26 years in prison in Maryland.

Police said Cody Wilkins, 25, broke into many homes to support a drug habit and during a Jan. 28 burglary decided to plug in his phone for a quick charge, The Washington Post reported. Wilkins was sentenced after admitting to seven break-ins.

The homeowner arrived unexpectedly and Wilkins jumped out a second-floor window, leaving the phone behind.

"You left behind a trail of victims and these are the ones we know about," Circuit Court Judge Eric M. Johnson told Wilkins.

The judge said Wilkins had "wreaked havoc" in the victims' lives by taking cash and items of sentimental value.

Authorities said Wilkins broke into dozens of homes in Montgomery County to support a $300-a-day oxycodone habit, the Post said.

Seven of Wilkins' known victims were at his sentencing Thursday.

Johnson said he passed the lengthy sentence -- long for someone who hadn't robbed, injured or killed anyone -- because Wilkins broke into so many homes. The judge left open the possibility he would consider reducing the sentence later.

Wilkins apologized to his victims in court and asked the judge to grant him probation.

"Let me get back to work so I can repay [$74,000 in cash and items stolen]," Wilkins said.