Neil E. Timbers, 67, pleads guilty to robbery

NEW PHILADELPHIA — A 67-year-old man from Lore City pleaded guilty on Tuesday to robbing a woman Nov. 24 at Sally's Hilltop Store, 1958 Post Boy Road, in Washington Township south of Newcomerstown.

Tuscarawas County County Common Pleas Judge Michael Ernest will sentence Neil E. Timbers on July 11.

Timbers was initially indicted on a charge of aggravated robbery with a specification that alleged a gun was used in the crime. The specification carried a mandatory three-year prison term.

More:Neil E. Timbers, 67, charged with Nov. 24 armed robbery south of Newcomerstown

Assistant county prosecutor Scott Deedrick asked Ernest to amend the indictment to robbery and to drop the gun specification. Deedrick said his request was based on reviewing a video recording of the incident and discussing it with the victim.

The prosecutor asked the judge to order Timbers to serve time in prison and stay away from the victim.

Robbery carries a potential prison sentence of two to eight years, Ernest said.

Parole would last 18 months to three years. A fine of up to $15,000 is possible. 

Timbers is free on his own recognizance. He wears a GPS device and is supervised by the Community Corrections Program. Terms of his release prohibit out-of-state travel.

The defendant asked for permission to attend a reunion in Virginia prior to sentencing. Ernest authorized the trip, provided Timbers gives the dates and location to his probation officer. 

The probation officer, who was present in court for the plea, did not object to Timbers going to the reunion.

The judge ordered Community Corrections to prepare a background report about the defendant before sentencing.

Reach Nancy at 330-364-8402 or nancy.molnar@timesreporter.com.

On Twitter: @nmolnarTR