NORWICH – A 24-year-old Harpursville man arrested for the hold-up of the Bainbridge Great American in 2010 pleaded guilty to first degree burglary, a class B felony, on Friday, prior to receiving a week-long furlough to spend time with his children and family.

Anthony R. Botte Jr., was one of two accomplices accused of the robbery-at-gunpoint, which occurred on Nov. 28 of last year. A plea deal, accepted by Botte on Friday, will send him to state prison for the next five years.

He will also receive five years of post release supervision as part of the deal.

Botte’s attorney, Frank Revoir, originally requested a two-week furlough for his client, who he said has remained incarcerated since late February. He has not been with – or seen – his two children, ages three and one, since that time, added Revoir, who said he’d had “numerous discussions” with his client regarding the restrictions he would face if the furlough was granted.