POLSON — A homeless man pleaded guilty in Lake County District Court last Thursday to breaking into the Polson Pizza Hut and attempting to steal money from the cash register.

According to court documents, 51-year-old Scott Koplin broke into the Pizza Hut at 12:17 a.m. on Feb. 7, but his plan was foiled when an employee still inside called police before leaving the business from the back door.

Authorities observed Koplin, who despite being homeless holds an associate’s degree, going through the cash register with a crowbar in hand. When he left the building they arrested him immediately.

After Koplin was handcuffed, Police found a sealed plastic envelope in his pocket with several checks with a “deposit only Pizza Hut” stamp on them.

After being transported to the Lake County Jail, court documents said that Koplin told police he was homeless and struggling.

He said he figured he might get a little money from breaking into the Pizza Hut and, at the same time, he thought if he got caught that he could get some help for his alcohol problems. Koplin said he knew it was stupid but he didn’t know what to do.

Sentencing is set for Thursday, April 19 at 9 a.m.