NORWICH – A man scheduled for a plea-bargained sentence that included him testifying against his alleged partner in crime refused to do so after he pleaded guilty to the charge.

Anthony J. Pierce, 17, admitted his guilt over a third degree burglary charge for breaking into Chenango Welding Supply, March 10, but wouldn’t admit to his associate’s involvement in court. At the request of the District Attorney Joseph McBride, the court refused to accept the plea.

“Well, I didn’t really see him in there. I think he was asleep in the car,” said Pierce.

“I am deeply offended at the defendant’s decision to lie to the court by refusing to tell the whole truth, and the people reject the defendant’s plea,” said McBride.

The plea would have allowed Pierce to serve a year in the local jail, but now, he could face two and a third to seven years in prison.

Daniel Sabines, 20, was arrested in conjunction to the burglary charges. The two are accused of breaking into Chenango Welding Supply after a late night of partying and stealing about $125 from within. Police said Pierce and Sabines kicked in the back door to the business while a third person, an intoxicated female, was passed out in the back seat of the suspect’s vehicle.