Two men pleaded guilty to multiple counts of criminal mischief and were each ordered to pay more than $11,000 in restitution after a vandalism spree in downtown Franklin last year.
In October 2015, residents and business owners in downtown Franklin found broken windows, shattered lights, flower pots smashed and tires slashed. The string of vandalism stretched from U.S. 31 through downtown Franklin, and more than a dozen businesses and homes were hit.
Police arrested Brian Shaw, 31, and Roy Burkett, 35, both of Franklin, on multiple charges after video surveillance showed them causing damage, police reports said.
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Both were charged with more than a dozen counts each of misdemeanor criminal mischief. Both have pleaded guilty and have been sentenced.
Burkett pleaded guilty to 16 counts of criminal mischief and was sentenced to a year in jail, with credit for 123 days already served, according to court records.
Shaw pleaded guilty to 17 counts of criminal mischief and was sentenced to about six months on work release and then probation, along with 680 hours of community service, court records said.
Each man was ordered to pay more than $11,000 in restitution to multiple residents and business owners whose properties were damaged, court records said.
That includes $7,800 to the Franklin Parks Department after a restroom shelter in Province Park was severely damaged, including broken water lines, a sink, toilet and cinder block wall that all had to be replaced.
Restitution was also ordered to be paid to Franklin schools, after the figurines of school children playing were damaged at Northwood Elementary School off U.S. 31.
Also included on the list of damaged properties: Jessen Funeral Home, Franklin College, First Baptist Church and the Ashley-Drake Historic Inn, according to court records.
