Ringleader of home invasion gets prison

PROVO — A young man described as the ringleader of a violent home invasion in Orem in October 2008 was sentenced Monday to prison.

Fourth District Judge Samuel McVey ordered Jacob Falo, 20, to serve a term of 15 years to life in the Utah State Prison for aggravated kidnapping, a first-degree felony.

Falo also was sentenced to three terms of five years to life on three counts of aggravated robbery, a first-degree felony; and one to 15 years for burglary, a second-degree felony. All of the terms will run concurrently.

Falo pleaded guilty to the offenses in June, but defense attorney Filia Uipi requested a mental-health review to ensure that he understood the seriousness of the charges.

Police said Falo, his younger brother James and a juvenile entered a home near 1100 E. 800 North in Orem, hit the occupants with a bat and tied them up. Then, the three allegedly made them sit in a circle in the living room and held a gun to their heads while they stole electronics, money and cell phones.

Uipi argued Monday that Falo, who was on probation for a prior aggravated robbery conviction, was the victim of an abusive, drug-ridden home environment while growing up. He asked the court to give Falo "a second chance."

But prosecutor Jason Sant said Falo has already had his second chance and it would be "absurd" to let him avoid prison again. McVey agreed, saying that while he acknowledged Falo's "unfortunate upbringing," a judge's first priority "is to protect society."

James Falo, 19, faces 11 similar charges. His trial is scheduled for January.

Jacob Falo's girlfriend, Berniece Halalilo, 20, served as the getaway driver and was sentenced to 36 months of probation.

?— Paul Koepp