A Prague man has pleaded guilty and been sentenced to prison on three felonies in relation to a chop shop operation.
Formal felony charges were originally filed May 26, 2022 in Lincoln County District Court against Kenneth Gale Simon, 37 along with two others, Kaleb Burleson, 19, and Whitney Harrison, 34.
Simon was charged with operating/dealing with a chop shop, conspiracy after former conviction of two ore more felonies and knowingly receiving or concealing stolen property after felony conviction.
During his arraignment on March 14 before District Judge Traci Soderstrom, he entered a not guilty plea at that time. The plea was received and he was ordered to stand trial at 9 a.m. on June 5.
He faced an additional charge of attempting to elude officers. He had been ordered to stand trial on that charge at the same time, but he also has pleaded guilty and drawn time in the county jail.
Appearing before Judge Soderstrom on May 30, Simon entered guilty pleas as the result of a plea bargain.
Simon waived a presentence investigation and Judge Soderstrom found him guilty as charged on Count 1 and sentenced him to 11 years in the custody of the Department of Corrections with all time suspended except the first five years. He was fined $500, assessed a $150 VCA and court costs; and ordered to pay restitution.