Last of 5 men charged in Miami County home invasion, shooting pleads guilty

Eric Santos

Credit: Miami County Jail

Credit: Miami County Jail

Eric Santos

The last of five men admitted his role in a September 2016 home invasion and shooting in Union Twp.

Eric Santos, 22, of Trotwood, pleaded guilty Thursday to aggravated burglary with a gun specification; conspiracy to aggravated burglary; and felonious assault. He was scheduled to go on trial next week in Miami County Common Pleas Court.

RELATED: 2 indicted in Miami Co. home invasion appear in court

Santos was among five men arrested in the Sept. 29 invasion of a North Montgomery County Line Road residence, during which shots were fired by the intruders and homeowner. The incident was believed to be drug-related, according to the Miami County Sheriff’s Office.

One of the men, Keason Twitty, 25, of Dayton, was seriously injured. He pleaded guilty in January to felony charges. Co-defendants Corey Dixon, 18, of Englewood, pleaded guilty in April; James Benton, 24, address at large; and Kristian Martinez, 23, of Phillipsburg. The homeowner was not charged.

RELATED: Englewood man admits guilty in home invasion plea deal

None of the defendants have been sentenced. Santos is scheduled to be sentenced Aug. 21.

As part of the plea agreements, prosecutors will recommend seven-year prison terms. However, Judge Jeannine Pratt said she is not required to follow the recommendations and could impose longer sentences.

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