Ex-convict gets 10-day jail term for theft

A man who was earlier convicted of deceiving a man to buy a car that did not belong to him was given a 10-day prison term.

Superior Court Associate Judge David Wiseman sentenced Ramon DLG. Aldan to five years behind bars, all suspended except for 10 days.

Wiseman gave the 48-year-old Aldan one-day credit for the time he has already served in jail.

The judge ordered the defendant to start serving the nine-day jail term at the Department of Corrections on March 20.

“The deterrent factor was not served by your previous sentence of no jail time, in that you committed the same type of offense again,” Wiseman said in sentencing Aldan.

The judge said it is his opinion that a short jail term with several probation conditions will best serve the interest of justice.

Wiseman placed Aldan on probation and required him to pay $5,000 in restitution and write a letter of apology to the victim, Peter Deleon Guerrero.

Aldan was also directed to return the vehicle and engine, perform 100 hours of community works service, and pay $600 in fine and court assessment fee.

Wiseman said that, although Aldan is not a dangerous threat to society, he is no stranger to the criminal justice system.

He said the defendant was convicted in 1996 for the crime of theft by deception in which the court gave him a three-month suspended sentence.

Aldan complied with all the terms and conditions of his probation in the old case.

“The defendant’s previous record of full compliance with the previous probation conditions, along with the fact that defendant is supporting several children and grandchildren, are to some extent mitigating factors for this court to consider,” Wiseman said.

The judge also noted Aldan’s acceptance of responsibility for his actions.

The Attorney General’s Office charged the defendant in 2004 with theft by deception. In November 2005, the jury found him guilty.

Police said Aldan sold a car with license plate “JESUS I” to Deleon Guerrero on Sept. 14, 2004. After getting the $5,000 payment, the defendant allegedly informed the victim he would fix the car’s transmission and replace the rooftop.

The defendant told the victim that the car would be ready for pick up after seven days. After seven days, Aldan started avoiding the victim.

The victim later found out that Aldan was not the registered owner of the vehicle.