On Dec. 9, Nicholas Wittrock was sentenced to 15 months for aggravated theft in the first degree and six months for criminal mistreatment and theft in the first degree.

In October of 2016, family members reported to the Harney County Sheriff’s Office that approximately $50,000 was stolen from an elderly member of the family, and the Harney County Sheriff’s Office began an investigation. It was believed that the victim’s credit card was utilized to access funds without her permission.

Surveillance footage was obtained from ATMs. Those photos showed Nickolas Wittrock withdrawing money from his grandmother’s account. Evidence showed Wittrock began stealing the funds in June of 2015, and through September of 2016, he stole more than $49,000.

When confronted with this information, Wittrock explained no large purchases were made, but the money was spent on trips, alcohol, and clothing.

Harney County Deputy District Attorney Ryan Hughes prosecuted the case. A grand jury indicted Wittrock on four counts of aggravated theft in the first degree, one count of theft in the first degree, 10 counts of aggravated identity theft, and one count of criminal mistreatment in the first degree based on Wittrock’s fiduciary relationship with the victim.

After consultation with the victim, and in accordance with their wishes, Wittrock was extended an offer. In May 2017, Wittrock pleaded guilty to criminal mistreatment in the first degree, theft in the first degree, and aggravated theft in the first degree. The defendant was initially sentenced to 80 days in jail and 36 months probation. Further, he was ordered to pay restitution at an agreed upon rate with the understanding that, if restitution was not paid, his probation would be revoked, and he would be sent to prison.

On Dec. 9, it was proven that the defendant was not fulfilling his obligation. Wittrock’s probation was revoked, and he was sentenced. Wittrock was sentenced concurrently to six months custody of the department of corrections for the criminal mistreatment and theft in the first degree. The defendant was also sentenced to 15 months custody of the department of corrections for aggravated theft in the first degree. When released from prison, Wittrock will be on post-prison supervision for 36 months.