NORWICH – A New Berlin man indicted on six counts of second degree criminal mischief and one count of tampering with physical evidence for allegedly shooting dead six horses owned by his neighbor pleaded guilty to the top count of the indictment Tuesday morning.

Lauren L. McMaster, 76, of New Berlin, agreed to enter into a plea bargain yesterday morning while in the midst of jury selection. He subsequently pleaded guilty to one count of second degree criminal mischief – a class E felony – and as per the stipulations of the plea bargain will pay restitution, receive five years of probation, and spend weekends in jail for four months. Sentencing was adjourned for two months while the pre-sentence report is updated.