A Clark man who owns a Sharon apartment building pleaded guilty to misdemeanor charges of theft and criminal mischief for diverting electricity from one apartment throughout the building.

Robert Gavala, 56, of 53 Nora St., owns 300 Russell St., which houses 12 apartments. Gavala entered his plea Thursday before District Justice James E. McMahon, Sharon.

The charges were reduced; he was originally charged with diversion of services and risking a catastrophe.

Gavala was fined $600 and costs, ordered to pay a total of $1,100 to 12 residents of the building and sentenced to 2 years probation.

According to the affidavit of probable cause,