Orem teen pleads guilty in home invasion

PROVO — An Orem man pleaded guilty Monday to several charges as a result of his role in a violent October 2008 home invasion.

James Falo, 19, accepted a deal in which he pleaded guilty to aggravated robbery and aggravated kidnapping, both first-degree felonies; and three second-degree felonies: burglary and two counts of robbery. Several other charges were dismissed.

He is scheduled to be sentenced March 1.

Police said Falo; his older brother, Jacob; and a juvenile entered a home near 1100 E. 800 North in Orem, pulled the occupants out of their bedrooms and detained them in a living room by holding an unloaded gun to their heads.

Meanwhile, they ransacked the house, stealing money, cell phones and other electronics.

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

— Paul Koepp