LOGAN — A 20-year-old North Logan man has been sentenced to prison for breaking into a mobile home in southwest Logan last month. Damian Dean James was given the maximum sentence after apologizing for his actions.
James appeared for a court hearing Monday, May 20, in Logan’s 1st District Court. He previously accepted a plea deal pleading guilty to burglary and attempted burglary, both second-degree felonies.
According to prosecutors, Logan City Police officers were called to a mobile home park near 1900 S. 1100 West, on report of a burglary in progress. A woman said she woke up to find two individuals breaking open the door to her bedroom. When they saw her, they reportedly fled the house.
Another victim said they heard noises outside their mobile home and witnessed the two individuals running away.
The victims pursued the two males, following them to 1800 South, where the individuals dropped a backpack and jumped over a fence. Inside the bag was a stolen video game player, passport, $400, a pair of Nike Jordan shoes and other items. A kitchen knife was also found.
Both males were described to be wearing hoodies.
Police searched the area, they witnessed an individual running from the scene and jumping over a fence. He was wearing a hoodie and black hat. The man was identified as James. The juvenile’s identity was not released because of their age.
Investigators claim James has an extensive criminal history. He was previously convicted of drug possession and currently serving three years probation.
During Monday’s court appearance, defense attorney Ryan Holdaway acknowledged James’ “lengthy criminal history” but noted the prior convictions were not violent crimes. He blamed his client’s actions on alcohol and asked the court to consider jail instead of prison.
James said he knew what he did was wrong and accepted the consequences of his decisions.
Cache County Deputy Attorney Mark Winkel said James and the juvenile put themselves and others in serious jeopardy.
Judge Angela Fonnesbeck, who acknowledged that she presided over James as a juvenile court judge, said every time the defendant appeared in her courtroom, his crimes were worse. She said it appeared he had refused to do the hard work yet to change his life.
James was ordered to serve two terms of one to 15-years at the Utah State Correctional Facility. The sentences will run at the same time, meaning he could be up for parole by April 2025.