New law means stiffer sentence for busy burglar

WILMINGTON, NC (WWAY) — A new law means a stiffer penalty against a habitual offender who admitted stealing from homes in New Hanover County.

Joshua Cribb, 37, of Wilmington, pleaded guilty to several counts of felony breaking and entering and felony larceny. Judge Kenneth Crow sentenced Cribb as a habitual breaking and entering offender and gave him 99-156 months in prison. Cribb was sentenced under a new law that raises the punishment level for multiple breaking and entering convictions.

“This new law gives us the power to enhance the punishment against those who invade our homes,” Assistant District Attorney Christa Lawler said.

Prosecutors say Cribb’s conviction stems from eight home break-ins between January and August 2014 in Wilmington and New Hanover County. While some of the items stolen have been recovered, Judge Crow ordered Cribb pay more than $54,000 in restitution if he is allowed work release in prison. If he can’t pay it all off during his sentence, the restitution will be held as a civil judgment against him.

Charges are still pending against Cribb’s co-defendant Christopher Marshburn. He is due back in court April 27.