An Iowa man who was charged for a series of attempted burglaries in Austin during the past three weeks pleaded guilty in Mower County Court on Monday.

Paul Sanchez-Morales, 28, of New Hampton, pleaded guilty to two counts of second-degree burglary — a felony. Another second-degree burglary charge and two charges for theft were dismissed.

Police arrested Sanchez-Morales on Feb. 3, 2012, at the 1000 block of Oakland Ave. W roughly an hour after a reported burglary in progress at the 1800 block of Fourth Ave. SW. A neighbor notified authorities and took photographs of the burglar and his vehicle. Officers also took pictures of shoe prints at the residence. According to the court complaint, authorities used the photographs and matched Sanchez-Morales’ shoe prints to those found in the yard, and Sanchez-Morales was arrested.

According to the court complaint, Sanchez-Morales admitted to the stealing from the residence, and also admitted to entering a house at the 1100 block of 15th Ave. NE on Jan. 15. At both residences, Sanchez-Morales allegedly took jewelry and cash, totaling more than $2,000. According to the court complaint, Sanchez-Morales admitted to selling some of the items in New Hampton.

After further questioning, Sanchez-Morales also admitted he is illegally living in the U.S. and has been deported in the past, the complaint states. Sanchez-Morales is being held at the Mower County Jail on $100,000 bail. His jury trial is set for April 9.

Car chase turns up no suspects

Mower and Freeborn County Sheriffs are unsure who suspects are after a car chase happened mid-Monday afternoon near Mower/Freeborn County Road.

According to Mower County Sheriff Terese Amazi, someone followed the vehicle while trying to give deputies directions; however, authorities were not able to catch the vehicle. Amazi and others suspect whoever was driving the vehicle may have stolen scrap metal.

Man charged with DWI after crash

An Austin man was arrested after a two vehicle crash during the weekend.

Police arrested Alfredo Torres, 23, after he failed to stop and hit another vehicle at about 1 a.m. Sunday near the 1000 block of Oakland Avenue West.

According to Sheriff Terese Amazi, Torres was cited for fourth-degree DWI and failure to stop. He registered a blood-alcohol content of .10.

Nobody was injured in the crash.