Judge sentences Logan man to jail and probation for repeatedly running from police

LOGAN — A judge has rejected part of a plea deal and sentenced a 22-year-old Logan man, accused of running from police several times, to one-year in jail and fifteen-years probation.

First District Court Judge Thomas Willmore told Erasmo “Junior” Garcia, he was a danger to society.

Garcia appeared in court Monday afternoon, accepting a plea deal, pleading guilty to failing to stop at the command of law enforcement, possession or use of a controlled substance and theft by receiving stolen property, all third-degree felonies. He also pleaded guilty to a misdemeanor charge of reckless driving.

As part of the plea, prosecutors agreed to recommend Garcia only be sentenced to one-year in jail and then released without probation.

Judge Willmore said he didn’t care about the recommendation and felt the State was not protecting society. He told the defendant, “every time you run, you put police officers and the public at risk. That is how people die.”

State attorney Aaron Josie said, Garcia repeatedly fled from officers after a warrant was issued for his arrest in October, for failing to comply with conditions of his probation. He was arrested in Brigham City.

Public defender Michael McGinnis told the court that his client had dug himself into a hole.

Garcia apologized, saying he didn’t follow probation because he was addicted to drugs.

<hr /><p style=”text-align: center;”>[email protected]

Free News Delivery by Email

Would you like to have the day's news stories delivered right to your inbox every evening? Enter your email below to start!