A Colorado man suspected of leading a ring of thieves who broke into cars at funerals, churches, schools and other places in Weld County has been sentenced to 36 years in prison.
The district attorney says 31-year-old Ernesto Castanuela Jr. was sentenced Friday in Weld County District Court.
Castanuela was convicted in October of automobile theft, serial theft and criminal mischief. The judge also ruled he is a habitual criminal.
Prosecutors say the habitual criminal designation required a sentence of four times the maximum for the crimes he was convicted of.
Authorities say the ring stole wallets, purses and electronics. Some were recovered.
Was this article valuable?
Here are more articles you may enjoy.
FM Using AI to Elevate Claims to Deliver More Than Just Cost Savings 
Charges Dropped Against ‘Poster Boy’ Contractor Accused of Insurance Fraud 
One out of 10 Cars Sold in Europe Is Now Made by a Chinese Brand 
Founder of Auto Parts Maker Charged With Fraud That Wiped Out Billions 
Want to stay up to date?
Get the latest insurance news
sent straight to your inbox.