BY STACI WILSON

The man shot in his groin area after breaking into a New Milford Twp. home in January entered guilty pleas Friday in Susquehanna County Court. Two co-conspirators in the case also entered pleas Friday and one other entered a plea in April.

Francis Muchanic, 31, of Susquehanna, pleaded guilty to burglary, theft by unlawful taking and simple assault.

Muchanic admitted he forcibly entered the David Braman residence on Jan. 13, and struggled with the 69-year-old man who came to the door carrying

his .357 Smith & Wesson revolver.

District Attorney Jason Legg said Braman sustained injuries to his back, eyes and mouth as he struggled with Muchanic.

Muchanic told the court he took the weapon as he fled the scene, “after I was shot with it.”

President Judge Kenneth Seamans said, “You’re pretty lucky you’re still alive, sir.”

Muchanic’s attorney, Michael Gathany said his client took it because he thought he may be shot again.

The revolver was found in the car after Erica Major – a co-conspirator in

the case – called for medical assistance for Muchanic after the two fled into New York.

Major, 31, of Susquehanna, entered a guilty plea to conspiracy – robbery.

She admitted to driving Muchanic, Evan Hess and Dylan Brewer to the Braman residence in order for them to break into the man’s home to steal cash they believed he had.

Major stayed in the car while the three men went to the door of the residence.

According to police reports, Major called police and

reported that Muchanic had been shot while attempting to assist a disabled motorist on I-81.

Major drove Muchanic into New York where the couple was met by police and an ambulance at a rest area. It was then that police found Braman’s gun in the car.

Hess, 20, of Forest City, pleaded guilty to conspiracy – robbery; and flight to avoid apprehension on Friday.

Hess admitted he planned to go to the Braman residence with the others to take cash.

Legg said Hess has to prior misdemeanor thefts on his record. His prior record score will place him in range to serve either a county or state sentence, Legg said. “It will be up to the court.”

Brewer, 20, New Milford, also pleaded guilty April 25 to conspiracy – robbery.

The four are scheduled to be sentenced May 22 in the Susquehanna County Court of Common Pleas.