Man found guilty in cell phone heist

An Annapolis man was convicted yesterday and another is awaiting trial in connection with a 2006 scheme to steal a tractor-trailer full of at least 4,500 cell phones worth $585,000.

Walter Lee Green, 49, pleaded guilty in federal court to receipt and possession of stolen cell phones. He now faces up to 10 years in federal prison and a $250,000 fine when he is sentenced Feb. 13.

His co-defendant, Lawrence Michael Branch Jr., 44, of Annapolis is scheduled to stand trial on similar charges Dec. 22, federal prosecutors said.

Federal agents linked Green and Mr. Branch to the theft scheme shortly after the Aug. 29, 2006,...