Leader of break-in spree sentenced to 57 months in prison

The Oakland Press April 19, 2007

By STEPHEN FRYE Of The Oakland Press

A 20-year-old Rochester Hills man was sentenced to at least 57 months in prison for his part in leading a breakin spree that included numerous homes and dozens of cars. 

Bradley Anton Heacock apologized to the court and his victims before Oakland County Circuit Judge Gene Schnelz imposed the sentence of 57 months to 20 years in prison.  

“I want to apologize for the time I’ve taken up, especially for victims in my cases,” said Heacock, who was already jailed. “I’ve made some really big mistakes, obviously. I just want to get it out of the way and accept my punishment.” 

Heacock pleaded guilty to numerous charges of home invasion, breaking and entering, and larceny from an automobile earlier this month. He did so with a sentencing agreement that would limit his prison term to the bottom of the sentencing guidelines, which ranged from 57 to 95 months. Heacock must also pay more than $3,000 in restitution and fines. 

Heacock was one of seven people charged in December in a series of thefts from cars and homes throughout northern Rochester Hills. Sheriff ’s detectives called him “a primary player.” 

Several teenagers ended up with misdemeanors or in juvenile court. The group was discovered by police after a rash of nearly 50 thefts from vehicles around Thanksgiving in Rochester Hills. 

Reading a letter from a victim, Schnelz said such crimes are “very distressing in our society. It’s sad that we have to live in an environment like that. Let’s just hope and pray that something will happen and he will never do it again.” 

Contact Stephen Frye at (248) 745-4634 or steve.frye@oakpress. com.