Logan man sentenced to prison for car burglaries and running from police

Booking photo for Erasmo J. Garcia (Courtesy: Cache County Jail).

LOGAN — A 25-year-old Logan man has been sentenced to prison for committing multiple vehicle thefts and other crimes. Erasmo J. Garcia cried and wiped his eyes with a tissue as a judge called him a danger to society.

Garcia was sentenced in 1st District Court Monday afternoon. He previously pleaded guilty to multiple crimes, including theft and possession of a controlled substance, both third-degree felonies; and six other misdemeanors.

In September, police officers observed Garcia driving 85 mph in a 35 mph zone. The defendant crashed the car into a utility pole and fled the scene on foot.

Two weeks later Garcia stole a car from a friend and wrecked it. He again fled the crash scene on foot before police could arrest him.

Last year, Garcia escaped from custody, walking away from a jail work release program. He was spotted days later in Hyrum and led deputies on a brief high-speed chase into Blacksmith Fork Canyon. Garcia was later sentenced to serve six-months in jail.

During Monday’s sentencing, Cache County deputy attorney Griffin Hazard said Garcia was a threat to community citizens and law enforcement. He noted how the defendant has a lengthy criminal history including 18 cases since 2012.

Earlier, public defender Bryan Galloway said there was more to Garcia than the crimes that he had been convicted of. He explained the root cause of the defendant’s actions stemmed from an addiction to illegal drugs.

Garcia’s foster mom also told the court that the defendant had a rough start in life. She said his life spiraled out of control when he got involved in drugs.

Garcia spoke briefly in court, reading a letter of apology that he had written. He said his actions were a silent cry for help, as he battled his addictions.

Judge Angela Fonnesbeck expressed hope in Garcia’s life but noted how all of the assessments done by probation officers, showed he was high risk for committing more crimes. She noted how he had been given other chances to change his life and didn’t profit from them.

Garcia was ordered to serve two terms of zero-to-five-years in prison for the felonies and 364-days in jail for the misdemeanors. The sentences were ordered to run concurrently.


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