Smithfield man sentenced to prison for failing to register as a sex offender

LOGAN — A 34-year-old man Smithfield man who already was sent to prison previously for unlawful sexual activity with a teenage girl, is headed back to prison for up to 10-years. Michael C. Garza was sentenced to two consecutive terms of zero-to-10-years, on two third-degree felonies of failing to register as a sex offender. A third sentence for exposing his children to methamphetamines was ordered to run concurrently.

Garza appeared in 1st District Court Monday afternoon for sentencing after previously pleading guilty to the three charges. He admitted to the court to having a drug problem.

Judge Kevin Allen said Garza had more than just a drug addiction and had a problem with following the law. He noted how the defendant had numerous chances to register, before handing down the maximum sentence for each charge.

State attorney Spencer Walsh said Garza had a lengthy criminal history and needed to be sent to prison. He asked the court to send a message to other sex offenders that they must follow the rules.

Public defender Bryan Galloway had asked the court to sentence Garza to jail, saying the defendant needed to support his family. He explained how the Smithfield man could use training and structure in his life.

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