An Eden man pleaded guilty to second-degree attempted burglary in connection with a fire that destroyed a family’s home in Hamburg last year, according to the Erie County District Attorney’s office.
News 4 learned he was going to plead guilty just hours before the jury selection for Nicholas Harms’ trial was set to begin.
Harms was charged after the fire, which took place in August of 2017.
According to Erie County Sheriff’s deputies, credit cards belonging to the family who lost their home were found in his pockets.
Harms was not charged with arson. Prosecutors say a significant amount of evidence was destroyed in the fire.
When sentenced on Nov. 21, Harms could spend up to seven years in prison.
