HOLLIDAYSBURG — A former Altoona man accused of stealing his grandfather-in-law’s life savings of $2 million pleaded guilty Wednesday in Blair County court for a state prison sentence with at least two years of incarceration and a court order to make restitution.

Andrew Tyler Booker, 30, who has been incarcerated since January 2024, entered guilty pleas to theft, receiving stolen property, criminal conspiracy and related offenses before President Judge Wade A. Kagarise, who imposed the negotiated sentence of two to 10 years’ incarceration, followed by an additional 10 years of probation.

The plea agreement also required a $2,000 payment toward the $2 million restitution owed to the grandfather of Booker’s soon-to-be ex-wife.

Assistant District Attorney Nicholas Mays reported to Kagarise that the amount was deposited with the county’s cost and fines office.

“I know I’ll never get it all back,” the 74-year-old grandfather said after he and his wife watched Booker plead guilty. “But what hurts more is that he just didn’t steal from me. He also stole from my children, my grandchildren and great-grandchildren.”

Based on the negotiated plea agreement, Mays said that if the grandfather dies before restitution is complete, then Booker is required to continue making restitution to the victim’s children.

The grandfather said he worked different jobs, including construction and delivery, and at one point owned a small business. He said the money he saved went into a safe that he believed to be in a safe place.

Altoona police, when responding to a Feb. 17, 2023, burglary of a residence, learned that the safe with the money was missing, along with other items including a TV, computer games and jewelry.

Through their investigation, police learned that Booker, who lived at the residence, had been spending money for purchases that included a motorcycle, a truck, a U-haul trailer, three ATVs, a dirt bike and spent roughly $3,000 on a trip to Hersheypark.

By talking to sales agents at different locations, police learned that Booker often paid in cash or check. And when he paid with cash, they recalled that the money “stood out” because it was an older design, with some bills described as moldy or musty.

Police also collected receipts and price tags on additional items and learned that Booker was alleged to have had a girlfriend deposit money in a bank account at a time when Booker had no source of income.

Neither Booker nor defense attorney Devin Bennati offered an explanation to account for what happened to $2 million.

The grandfather said he thinks Booker did a lot of drinking and entertaining.

“I think he was a big spender with my money,” the grandfather said. “I think he gave it away.”

When Kagarise asked about the items Booker was accused of purchasing with the victim’s money, Bennati replied that police confiscated two ATVs, a truck, a dirt bike and a motorcycle.

For the plea agreement to go forward, the judge said he would require Booker to consent to forfeiting those items, so the proceeds can go toward the restitution. Booker agreed.

Bennati also presented letters in court, indicating that Booker has been “a model inmate.” He was praised for studying in preparation for the high school diploma equivalency exam and for participation in programs to address anger management and alcohol abuse.

“I’d like to apologize to my victims,” Booker said quietly as he faced Kagarise and offered his assurance of his intention to plead guilty.

When asked about his reaction to Booker’s statement, the grandfather said he wasn’t able to hear what Booker said.

“I just don’t think he got enough jail time,” he said.

Mirror Staff Writer Kay Stephens is at 814-946-7456.