A Blooming Prairie man who was arrested in early January in connection with a string of Austin burglaries, was sentenced to four years in prison in Mower County District Court.

Brett Aaron McKee, 34, was convicted of two property damage charges, two second-degree burglary charges and one count of third-degree burglary. Eight other charges were dismissed when McKee entered into a plea agreement.

McKee was sentenced on June 17. He also received 30-month and 27-month prison sentences to be served concurrently during his four year stint. He must pay more than $3,200 in restitution for the burglaries.

McKee reportedly burglarized the Avon Shop and the Hardy Geranium; he also reportedly stole $225 in cash from Super Fresh, $120 in cash from Austin Aquatics and $75 from a woman’s purse in a residential burglary.

When McKee was arrested, police seized two pry bars and a camouflage mask from his vehicle. He told officers he committed the burglaries because he lost his job and needed money for gas and bills, according to a court complaint.

Court complaints said McKee’s shoe prints were found at each scene. When questioned about a break-in at Echo Lanes, he said he went to the door but never went in. He also said he “heard on the news” that $2,800 was taken from the business. When questioned further, he chose to exercise his right to remain silent, according to a court complaint.