Ottumwa Man Pleads Guilty in Theft of Professional Wrestling Belts

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By Liz Blood

Story Created: Oct 31, 2012 at 4:16 PM CDT

Story Updated: Oct 31, 2012 at 4:16 PM CDT

OTTUMWA, Iowa (AP) — One of two men accused of stealing championship belts during a TNA pro wrestling show in Iowa has pleaded guilty to a lesser charge.

The Ottumwa Courier says Joel Luke, of Ottumwa, pleaded guilty to fifth-degree theft and was sentenced to two years of probation.

Total Nonstop Action Wrestling, based in Nashville, Tenn., reported a heavyweight championship belt, worth $6,000, and a replica, valued at $400, were stolen in August in Ottumwa. Both belts were recovered.

Luke was originally charged with second-degree theft. The newspaper says he pleaded guilty to a lesser charge last week.

Another man, Forrest Jamison, also of Ottumwa, is charged with accessory. His case is pending.