Andrew Lee Suarez, 20, of Oakdale, was convicted on Oct. 27, of auto theft.

Suarez also admitted a prior conviction for residential burglary, a “strike” under California’s “Three Strikes” law, from January 2008 for which Suarez is currently on probation.

On Oct. 15 at around 10 a.m. in the area of Eleanor Avenue in Oakdale, Suarez stole his foster mother’s 2006 blue Kia Sorrento, which contained a laptop, cell phone, and approximately 100 CDs. Suarez does not possess a driver’s license and had not been getting along with his foster mother. The next day, Suarez was located with the vehicle in Modesto by members of the Stanislaus County Auto-Theft Task Force (STANCATT) and was arrested without incident. There was damage to the outside of the vehicle as well as extensive graffiti drawn inside of the vehicle. Suarez admitted to taking the vehicle. None of the items that had been left in the vehicle were found.

Upon entry of the plea, a judge sentenced Suarez to 32 months in state prison.

Stanislaus County residents can report suspected vehicle theft activity to their local law enforcement agency or contact the Stanislaus County Auto-Theft Task Force (STANCATT) at 545-7316.