A Garfield County parolee, who jumped bail twice and was initially charged with seven felonies, has been sentenced to the Utah State Prison on only one count.
Richard Postlethuwaite, 36, Escalante, pleaded guilty to one second-degree felony through plea negotiations. Sixth District Judge David L. Mower sentenced Postlethuwaite to an indeterminate term of one to 15 years in prison, assessed fines of $10,000, and ordered him to pay restitution to several businesses.The victims were S&C Merc and H&R Building Supply in Panguitch and Canyon Country Gas 'n Goodies and Griffin's Merc in Escalante.
Postlethuwait was arrested Sept. 21, 1991, in Escalante and charged with three felonies related to theft of weapons. He was later charged with additional crimes involving possession of a firearm by a convicted felon, receiving stolen property and burglaries.
After failing to appear for court proceedings, a bench warrant was issued for Postlethuwaite's arrest in November 1991. A Cedar City bail bondsman ultimately hired a Salt Lake "bounty hunter" to find Postlethuwaite. The quest was successful and he was returned to jail Dec. 26, 1991, where he has since been held on $50,000 bail.