Ringleader of home invasion gets prison

Published: Monday, Nov. 2, 2009 5:35 p.m. MST
 |  E-MAIL | PRINT | FONT + - 

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."

Story continues below

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

Comments

You can be the first to comment on this story.

previousnext

Latest comments

Preps of the week

Ofa was THS's defensive leader in big plays at Rice Stadium - great job --...

I think any of those PAC-10 teams would make for an interesting game between...

Boys basketball rankings

1. Olympus 1st in the state in any classification 2. Provo 3. Timpview 4....

I've heard of win/win but I don't like the sound of lose/lose. WOW! What a...

What a shock! Boise State fans put up with the same garbage in 2006. Utah...

I don't understand how you arguing "Joseph Smith said he saw God" is going to...

Coach Pyper will get it done he is a truly dedicated Coach who cares and...

Hall, Johnson matchup key

sorry, but you're sadly mistaken the only fans who would make such a...

Find my family exploits

Just WATCHED "FIND MY FAMILY"-- I LIKE TROY AND "THE LOCATER" MUCH MORE, THE...

Protests against Phoenix LDS temple

RE: Educator | 7:26 p.m. Nov. 23, 2009 The term "ward house" is an old...

Advertisements