LAPLACE — A local man avoided jail time following guilty pleas involving break-ins this year of a snowball stand and nail salon.

Jeremy Scroggs, 29, pleaded guilty March 13 to simple burglary and attempted simple burglary, according to the St. John the Baptist Parish Clerk of Court’s Office.

Scroggs received separate 5-year suspended sentences, according to the Clerk’s Office, was fined $1,865 and placed on probation.

He was also given credit for time served dating back to Jan. 4.

Local police announced Scroggs’ arrest in January, connecting him to break-ins at Reese Snowball Stand on Eagle Street and Queenie Nails on West Airline Highway.

St. John the Baptist Parish Sheriff’s Office deputies said a victim at the snowball stand said a perpetrator with a sawzall tried to access to the stand before suddenly fleeing in a car.

Cut marks from a blade on the door and broken windows were left behind, according to the Sheriff’s Office.

A description of the fleeing car led to a traffic stop at Main and West Fifth streets, where deputies identified Scroggs exiting the vehicle. Police said Scroggs confessed to the snowball stand’s attempted break-in.

He also confessed to a break-in of Queenie Nails, police said.

Scroggs    was initially booked by the Sheriff’s Office with simple criminal damage to property – under $500, attempted simple burglary and simple burglary – immovable structure and held under a $31,000 bond.