A judge has rejected a plea agreement for a recent break in at a local ballpark, saying it would set up the defendant for failure.

Allen Roach was one of three people charged with misdemeanor theft for the incident May 15. Authorities said a woman convinced Roach and another man to go to St Joe’s dog park with the woman’s dog, then break into the nearby concession stand at 2303 Marion Road. There a utility vehicle was allegedly taken, fully loaded with concession items and baseball equipment.

In court Wednesday, Roach tried to plead guilty, in an agreement requiring 30-days shock time, probation, and an order to make full restitution. The amount of restitution is still very much up in the air. Officials say a pitching machine and cases of baseballs, worth about $1,000, are still missing. The utility vehicle was recovered.  Current estimates point to a total loss of between $4,000 and $5,000 for Pony Express Baseball, the owner.

Associate Circuit Judge Keith Marquart looked at the defendant’s current situation and rejected the deal. Roach does not have a high school diploma, a job, or a home. Marquart said Roach would be set up for failure to eventually make any restitution.

The court allowed Roach to withdraw his guilty plea. His case is now scheduled for a trial-setting June 21 at 3pm. He remains behind bars, unable to post $5,000 cash bail.

Kallista Allen, the alleged ringleader, has posted a $10,000 hybrid bond and is scheduled to appear before Associate Judge Rebecca Spencer June 29 for a trial setting or plea. Co-defendant Michah Boykin is scheduled for a trial-setting hearing June 20 and is being held in the Buchanan County Jail in lieu of $5,000 bail..

At last check, a GoFundMe campaign has raised about $220 in donations to help Pony Express Baseball.