HOULTON – A 19-year-old who reportedly teamed with another teenager to burglarize an area home pleaded guilty to a lesser offense Thursday in Houlton Superior Court.

Kurt Hatch of Houlton was found guilty of criminal trespass by Justice E. Allen Hunter.

An additional count of Class B burglary was dropped. Hatch was ordered to pay a $500 fine.

Hatch and Jeremy Jackett, 19, were both indicted by the Aroostook County grand jury earlier this month on separate burglary charges stemming from the May incident.

Jackett pleaded not guilty to the charge during separate proceedings late Thursday afternoon. Aroostook County Assistant District Attorney Suzanne Lilley told the judge that Hatch was seeking money he was owed when he entered the home.

A credit card was used to pry open a lock and gain entry into the dwelling.

While in the home, the owner’s son awoke and interrupted the duo, Lilley said, which led to the charges.

Hatch’s attorney, Robert Ward, told Hunter that his client “had a legitimate purpose” for being at the home.

“He just used a poor means of access,” he said.

Hatch told Hunter that he had learned his lesson, and the judge imposed the fine along with a warning to the 19-year-old.

“When someone owes you money, use the civil process,” he advised Thursday.