Former Alliance Realty co-owner Robert “Zig” Ziegler pled guilty Tuesday to one count of misapplication of property during a hearing in Ketchikan Superior Court. This is a class C felony, which holds a maximum sentence of five years in prison and up to $80,000 in fines.
Ziegler and his former business partner Roger Stone faced multiple charges of felony misapplication of property and second-degree theft. The two were under investigation for allegations made at the time they were co-owners of Alliance Realty in Ketchikan. Stone reached an agreement in early May, pleading guilty to one count of felony misapplication of property with all other charges dropped. Participating by phone from St. Augustine, Florida, Ziegler accepted a similar agreement.
Presiding over the hearing was Superior Court Judge William Carey. Prior to accepting the guilty plea, Carey asked Ziegler if he understood he would be convicted as a felon, and would give up certain rights, including his right to appeal. Asked if he had any question of the judge or of his attorney, Sam McQuerry, Ziegler said he did not. Judge Carey then asked Ziegler if he was entering this agreement of his own free will, and whether he was clear headed.
“I am.”
The judge then asked Ziegler if he had anything to eat or drink or any kind of medication that might affect his judgement.
Zeigler: “I’ve had a Hershey bar.”
The judge said he believed Ziegler sounded perfectly lucid and clear headed.
Carey then asked Ziegler for his plea.
“Well I’m not happy about it your honor, but I’m going to plead ‘guilty’.”
Under the terms of the agreement, maximum jail time would be 30 days and any additional time, up to six months, would be spent in community service. The judge could also suspend all jail time, requiring only community service. Ziegler is also required to make financial restitution.
Both Ziegler and Stone are scheduled for sentencing in Ketchikan Superior Court on January 10th.
