Unlicensed pilot expected to plead guilty to theft

A Minnesota prosecutor says an 18-year-old who doesn't have a pilot's license is expected to plead guilty to stealing an airplane and taking it for joyrides.

Geoffrey Biteman was due in Roseau County District Court in northwestern Minnesota on Monday. Assistant County Attorney Michael Grover says Biteman is expected to plead guilty to a felony charge of motor vehicle theft and a misdemeanor charge of unauthorized use of an aircraft.

He says the plea agreement includes 60 days in jail, 60 days of home monitoring, a stayed prison sentence of 13 months, up to five years probation and just over $1,000 in fines and fees, plus restitution.

Biteman is accused of flying a Cessna 150 from Roseau to several cities in northwestern Minnesota and northeastern North Dakota over the summer.

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