Teen sentenced for stealing car

An Austin man who stole a vehicle in late October 2011 and who was involved in a previous vehicle theft and burglary was sentenced Tuesday in Mower County Court to 21 months in prison.

Dylan Arthur Leeper, 18, was convicted of one count of felony vehicle theft and one count of felony third-degree burglary.

Police responded to a report of a stolen Dodge Durango at the 1300 block of Second Avenue SW on the morning of Monday, Nov. 21. The officer later found the vehicle parked at the 300 block of 12th Street SE and returned it to the owner at about 4 p.m. the same day.

Police then responded to a reported stolen Lincoln sedan at about 10:40 p.m. on Tuesday at the 200 block of First Avenue SW. The owner said the vehicle was left running outside, but upon returning, it was gone.

According to Austin police Capt. Dave McKichan, officers found the vehicle roughly 45 minutes later at the 300 block of 27th Street SW, near Bremerton Apartments, where they questioned Leeper and another suspect. Upon questioning, police found the keys to the Lincoln underneath a car. They also searched a nearby dumpster and discovered two purses, along with the keys to the Durango that was stolen the previous day.

Leeper was also sentenced Friday for trespassing, a misdemeanor. He is currently sentenced to 45 days in Mower County Jail, which will run concurrent with his other pending convictions, according to his file with the Mower County Court.

Leeper sentencing was stayed for five year’s supervised probation. He must complete 100 hours of community service, submit to chemical testing and random check-ins, complete a psychological evaluation and complete cognitive skill training.

Leeper was sentenced to his previous vehicle theft on Dec. 29, 2011 and ordered to pay more than $3,000 in restitution. He was also sentenced to 90 days in jail for an underage drinking and driving charge but was credited for time served since Oct. 7, 2011.

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