A man responsible for the theft of a vehicle from a car lot, a radio from another automobile, a license tag, and several items from Wal-mart appeared in criminal court for sentencing Tuesday.

41 year old Benjamin Roberto Garcia entered a plea by criminal information to burglary of an automobile and theft over $2,500. He received a two year sentence for the burglary and four years for the theft to run concurrently for a total of four years. He will be on TDOC probation. Garcia must make restitution of $1,100 to one victim and $750 to another. He was given jail credit of 99 days.

According to Smithville Police, a report was filed on February 19 that someone had broken into an automobile at Davis Auto and stolen a radio causing damage to the vehicle. The following day another report was filed of someone having taken a 1994 Dodge Dakota from Auto Hut after breaking the lock and entering the gate of the car lot. During the investigation and after viewing surveillance video, police identified Garcia as a person of interest. After recovering the truck taken from Auto Hut, police checked the license plate on it through Central Dispatch and learned that the plate was stolen. Garcia found himself in more trouble after he was spotted on Sunday, March 11 shoplifting a pair of ear buds and a rugged speaker from Wal-mart. He was taken into custody on Tuesday, March 13.

Two men charged in a burglary and theft investigation were sentenced in DeKalb County Criminal Court Tuesday.

Judge Gary McKenzie presided.

47 year old Royce Virgel Ashford, Jr. entered a plea by criminal information to one count of burglary and received a four year sentence on TDOC probation. He must make restitution of $7,000 to the victim jointly and severally with his co-defendant, 53 year old Aubrey Lee Kilgore. Ashford was given jail credit of 94 days.

Meanwhile, Kilgore entered a plea by criminal information to burglary other than a habitation and driving under the influence (enhanced DUI punishment). Kilgore received a four year sentence for the burglary and 11 months and 29 days for the DUI to run concurrently for a total of four years. He must serve 48 hours and then be on supervised probation. Kilgore must pay a fine of $350, attend DUI school, undergo an alcohol and drug assessment, and he will lose his driver license for one year. Kilgore must also make restitution of $7,000 jointly and severally with his co-defendant Ashford. He was given jail credit of seven days.

Sheriff Patrick Ray said that on Thursday, March 15 Ashford and Kilgore broke into a building on Highway 70 west near Alexandria and stole items worth $25,900. They were later found in possession of some of the property taken. Vandalism damage to the building was estimated at $900.

The case was investigated by a Sheriff’s Department Detective.

Did you go to school at DCHS during 1954-1986? If so you know Mr. James E Cantrell taught General Science, Biology, Chemistry and Physics there. You may have even had him as your teacher.

Mr. Cantrell is turning 90 years old in July His family is celebrating his 90th birthday on July 14 from 2-5 PM at Whorton Springs Baptist Church Family Life Center. Everyone is welcome to come and celebrate with them. Enjoy some cake and punch and stories. No gifts please. The only thing they would like is for old friends, family, students or classmates, maybe even old customers from where he has sold trees around the area and did landscaping to come and share a memory, a funny story or something special that may have happened with him. Please come and enjoy some fellowship. The address is 2976 McMinnville Hwy Smithville.