The son of the Baldwin Police chief was found guilty Wednesday of burglarizing an implement dealership and stealing from another business.

Shawn Butell, 22, son of Chief Steve Butell, pleaded no contest to one count each of burglary and misdemeanor theft.

The plea was part of an agreement with the Douglas County District Attorney’s Office that included the dismissal of one count of felony theft and one count of misdemeanor theft.

Chief Judge Robert Fairchild accepted the pleas and set sentencing for Aug. 6.

Butell was arrested March 11 after investigation by the Douglas County Sheriff’s Office and Baldwin Police into burglaries and thefts at Heritage Tractor Inc., Baldwin Feed Co. and Icon Builders, all of Baldwin.

Sheriff Rick Trapp said at the time Steve Butell did not take part in the investigation.

Shawn Butell’s plea included a burglary at Baldwin Feed and stealing gas and lights from Heritage Tractor, owned by Baldwin City Councilman Ken Wagner.

This is the second time Shawn Butell has been convicted of stealing from Heritage Tractor. He spent a year on probation after pleading guilty to misdemeanor theft in September 2000.

The maximum sentence Shawn Butell could get for burglary is 34 months in prison plus a fine. The maximum sentence for misdemeanor theft is six months in the county jail and a fine.

Shawn Butell’s plea comes a year after bad publicity began plaguing the Baldwin Police Department. It began during the early morning hours of July 4, 2001, when a recently suspended officer wrecked his personal vehicle and was arrested for driving under the influence of alcohol. He later resigned.

In April and May, four officers sent letters to city officials threatening lawsuits because they alleged their civil rights were violated during various disciplinary proceedings. The officers requested up to $300,000 each in compensation to keep from filing lawsuits.

So far no lawsuits have been filed. The city is waiting for a determination on the matter from its insurance company, City Administrator Larry Paine said.

The tense atmosphere at City Hall and the Police Department has calmed, he said.