AUGUSTA — Victims of Jarrod Z. Bilodeau’s burglaries and thefts nodded assent Tuesday when a judge asked whether they supported a relatively short sentence for those crimes.

Assistant District Attorney Brad Grant and Bilodeau’s attorney, Adam Sherman, jointly recommended a sentence of four years in jail with all but six months suspended and three years of probation. Bilodeau’s sentence will keep him in the county jail instead of at a state prison.

A handful of victims sat on a bench at the rear of the hearing room in Kennebec County Superior Court, but only one woman addressed the judge.

“It saddens me to be here today,” said Joan Cormier, whose Farmingdale home was burglarized Nov. 17. She said Bilodeau was the father of her granddaughter and he had always been welcome in her home.

“In your daughter’s eyes, you can’t do anything wrong,” Cormier said, adding that she hoped that would be true in the future.

Justice Michaela Murphy told the victims she would impose the sentence only because they were there to support it and because there were legal challenges raised over whether Bilodeau’s statements to police could be used at a trial.

She said the six burglary charges each carried a maximum sentence of 10 years in prison. “Most people who commit this number of class B burglaries wind up going to prison,” she said.

Bilodeau, 28, of Readfield, apologized to the victims during the hearing.

“I’m sorry for what I did and I take full responsibility,” he said. “I hope I won’t get judged solely on the mistakes I’ve made but also the good I’ve done.”

Bilodeau pleaded guilty on Sept. 6 to six burglaries and six thefts that took place last spring while the victims attended church events. He admitted to stealing jewelry and other items from homes in Augusta, Farmingdale, Vassalboro, Wayne and Winthrop between Nov. 17 and Dec. 12.

All the victims were members of Jehovah’s Witnesses, and began to suspect Bilodeau when they realized the times and dates of the crimes corresponded to church meetings, Grant told the judge. Grant said they had mixed emotions, but supported the sentence so Bilodeau could address alcohol and drug issues.

Murphy ordered Bilodeau to pay restitution of $20,675, and warned him that obligation continued even after probation. Conditions of probation ban him from contact with the victims.

Betty Adams — 621-5631

badams@centralmaine.com