A Salem man linked to break-ins in three counties pleaded guilty Tuesday in Botetourt County Circuit Court to several thefts near Buchanan and Fincastle.

In exchange for his plea, Kevin Eugene Lineberry, 25, was sentenced to serve six years and 10 months, with 31 more years and two months suspended.

Lineberry pleaded guilty to property damage, five counts each of grand larceny and breaking and entering, and one count of attempted breaking and entering, said Botetourt County prosecutor Jill Deegan.

Deegan said that although three firearms charges were dropped, Lineberry could still face prosecution by federal authorities for firearms violations.

Lineberry is scheduled to be sentenced for six felonies May 29 in Franklin County. He also faces 11 felony charges in Bedford County.

On Dec. 4, a resident called 911 after seeing a man kick in a door at a home on Beaver Dam Road near Buchanan. The caller described Lineberry and the car he drove, Deegan said.

Botetourt County deputies who responded passed Lineberry as he drove away from the house. They found the car hidden in a nearby barn, and police dogs found Lineberry in a nearby building.

Lineberry confessed to the break-ins in Botetourt as well as some in other localities, Deegan said. Most of the missing items from the burglaries turned up at Lineberry's home in Salem. He tended to steal electronics and firearms, Deegan said.

-- Mike Allen