By Hailey Higgins, Local News 8 Reporter
 
IDAHO FALLS - The loss prevention officer at JC Penney accused of helping steal at least $50,000 worth of merchandise was sentenced Wednesday. He will serve six years in prison and is eligible for parole after two.
 
Travis Hathaway, 29, pleaded guilty to grand theft by possession of stolen property, burglary, and grand theft. Police believe he used his insider knowledge of JC Penney to find weaknesses there and at a few other retailers in Idaho Falls last year.
 
Police say Hathaway worked in a large burglary ring involving his wife, sister, and brother-in-law.
 
In court, Hathaway said he was "extremely sorry" and stealing was a "stupid thing to do."  He said he did it to help with Christmas presents for his kids. He blamed his behavior on his bipolar disorder.
 
Hathaway's wife and brother-in-law pleaded not guilty and will be in court next week.