The Enid News and Eagle, Enid, OK

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April 24, 2009

Prior convictions have Enid man facing 3 life sentences

By Cass Rains, Staff Writer

An Enid man is facing three possible life sentences after admitting to law enforcement officers he stole two vehicles and broke into a rural home.

Steve Cervantez, 43, was arraigned Friday on two felony counts of larceny of an automobile and a count of first-degree burglary. He also was charged with a misdemeanor count of malicious injury to property.

Because of five prior felony convictions, Cer-vantez faces nine years to life in prison for each larceny charge and 20 years to life on the burglary charge.

According to affidavits filed in the case, Garfield County Sheriff’s Office was contacted Sunday morning by a couple in Fairmont, who said they had detained a man who attempted to steal their pickup.

The couple told a deputy they never heard the man call for help or knock on their door but heard someone start their pickup. The couple said Cervantez was slowly trying to back the pickup out from the awning where it was parked when they yelled for him to stop, according to an affidavit. The couple said Cervantez also had entered their shop and fifth-wheel trailer, causing damage and dragging red shale into the camper, according to court documents.

After speaking with a deputy, Cervantez admitted to trying to take the truck and also said he had stolen a pickup from Advance Food, where he once worked, according to the affidavit.

Cervantez is being held in lieu of $120,000 bond and was ordered to return to court June 1 for a bond appearance.

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