Burglar gets 10 years

July 18, 2006

By MARY AMES

Frontiersman

PALMER - A Sutton man arrested for a string of residential burglaries and thefts two years ago was sentenced to 10 years in Palmer Superior Court on Friday.

Carlos Navarro, 22, was originally charged with five counts of first-degree burglary, seven counts of second-degree theft, and one count each of first-degree criminal trespass and first-degree attempted burglary for breaking into homes in

Sutton and Willow in early

February 2004.

Navarro had an extensive criminal history, including as a juvenile, but most crimes were converted to misdemeanors, according to a discussion about Navarro's history among the attorneys and Superior Court Judge Eric Smith.

Marcy McDannel, Navarro's court-appointed defense attorney, said her client wasn't adjudicated on any felonies as a juvenile.

The state asked Judge Smith to sentence Navarro to serve one year in prison for each house he broke into and stole from due to the number and scope of the burglaries.

&#8220He stole multiple guns, jewelry and a great amount of cash,” said Suzanne Powell, assistant district attorney. &#8220Most important are the number of firearms and what happens to stolen guns.”

Navarro's history of juvenile offenses indicate he'd been doing this for a long time, long enough that it was OK with him, Powell said. And when Navarro was released on bail to the custody of his mother and girlfriend, he ran. &#8220It took six officers to bring him back,” she said. &#8220Given his history, he's a real problem for rehabilitation.”

McDannel said while Navarro was in custody, his friends and family noted he had undergone a significant change. Her client belonged to a subset of criminals, young men who hadn't taken the opportunity to grow up and take responsibility.

&#8220They find the adult system a brutal awakening from irresponsible behavior,” McDannel said. &#8220The court should take into account he has a lot of people behind him who will help him when he gets out.”

McDannel asked the court for a suspended imposition of sentence on Navarro's &#8220first foray into the adult system.”

Navarro needs to support his two children and could be a benefit to the community, she said.

So far, Navarro owes $16,835.01 in restitution, Powell said, but asked the court to hold restitution open for 90 days for a final tally.

When Navarro addressed the court, he said even while he was breaking into homes, he wondered why he was doing it.

&#8220It sucks,” Navarro said. &#8220I have two kids I haven't been able to hold. I just want to get out of this and get my GED. I dropped out in seventh grade.”

A suspended imposition of sentence for Navarro's crimes would send the wrong message to society, Judge Smith said.

Smith sentenced Navarro to 10 years in prison with six years suspended.

&#8220I hope two young kids give you incentive for rehabilitation,” Smith said.

Contact Mary Ames at 352-2284 or mary.ames@frontiersman.com.