A Columbus man has been sentenced to five years of probation and ordered to pay a fine of more than $37,000 in connection with the theft of trailers.

Damon Alexander, 44, appeared in Delaware County Common Pleas Court Monday afternoon to be sentenced on five counts of theft, fourth-degree felonies, and five counts of forgery, which are fifth-degree felonies, after pleading guilty to the charges on July 22, 2015.

Alexander was originally indicted by a grand jury on 11 counts of theft, which are all fourth-degree felonies; seven counts of forgery, fifth-degree felonies; and one count of forgery that is a fourth-degree felony. Three forgery charges and six theft charges were dismissed as part of a plea agreement with prosecutors.

As part of the agreement, prosecutors and Alexander’s attorney, Patrick J. Heagerty, jointly recommended Alexander be sentenced to a probation period and agreed that he would pay restitution to victims in the amount of $37,786.62.

Common Pleas Judge Everett Krueger went along with the recommendation and sentenced Alexander to five years of probation and warned him he could face prison if he violates terms of the agreement.

Prosecutors said Alexander stole trailers from various Ohio businesses and individuals and, then sold them to unsuspecting customers online. Prosecutors said Alexander made homemade VIN stickers for the stolen trailers.

The Ohio locations of the thefts — identified in court documents — include Lewis Center, Columbus, Dayton, Monroe, Worthington, Mason and Lancaster.

Prosecutors said the investigation began after several stolen property reports involving trailers were filed.