Anthony Allen Scholfield was also sentenced to 10 years probation on Friday in Dunn County Circuit Court, following his guilty plea to a felony burglary charge in February. He had faced more than 18 years in prison.

"It sure could have been a lot worse. It's a difficult crime," said Scholfield's attorney, Peter Morin.

Scholfield had been accused of stealing three pair of thong underwear from a woman last summer. He allegedly broke into the woman's home while she was out of town and stole what the woman described as "very distinctive-looking" underwear.

Scholfield was arrested a short time later after police found the underwear at his residence.

Scholfield was convicted of a similar felony burglary in 2003. Police had linked him to the theft of 854 panties.

His probation had ended days before the burglary last summer.

Scholfield will have to register as a sex offender because of his crimes, said Dunn County District Attorney Kris Cusick. He must also undergo sex offender treatment and pay a $2,500 fine.