An Iowa man who attempted a series of burglaries in Austin in January and February was sentenced Thursday in Mower County Court.

Paul Sanchez-Morales, 28, of New Hampton, was convicted of two counts of second-degree burglary, felonies. He is sentenced to 23 months in prison, stayed for five years’ probation and must pay $3,635 in restitution.

Police arrested Sanchez-Morales on Feb. 3 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 home. According to the court complaint, authorities used the photographs and matched Sanchez-Morales’ shoe prints to those found in the yard, and arrested Sanchez-Morales.

According to the court complaint, Sanchez-Morales admitted to the theft, and also admitted to entering a house at the 1100 block of 15th Ave. NE on Jan. 15. At both homes, 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. Though he has been sentenced in Mower County, Immigration and Customs Enforcement is now holding him.