Francis Anthony Dunn, 29, of House Springs has been sentenced to 10 years in prison after he pleaded guilty to eight felonies, according to court records.
Dunn, a prior offender, pleaded guilty to two counts of first-degree tampering with a motor vehicle, two counts of unlawful possession of a firearm and one count each of identity theft, driving with a revoked license, receiving stolen property and possession of a controlled substance, documents indicate.
On Nov. 15, 2018, former Jefferson County Div. 4 Circuit Judge Mark T. Stoll sentenced Dunn to seven 10-year prison terms – one for each count of tampering with a motor vehicle, unlawful possession of a firearm, identity theft, receiving stolen property and possession of a controlled substance – as well as a four-year term for driving with a revoked license.
However, the eight sentences will be served concurrently, or at the same time. In addition, Dunn could be released early if he successfully completes a 24-month treatment program, according to court papers.
Jefferson County assistant prosecuting attorney Steven W. Jerrell handled the cases.
In 2016, Dunn committed five felonies starting with identity theft on Sept. 13. He used a stolen credit card to buy $735.77 worth of merchandise at a Walmart in High Ridge, and he attempted to buy another $895.94 worth of merchandise, but the card was declined, the probable-cause statement said.
On Sept. 20, 2016, Dunn was stopped for a traffic violation while driving a 2012 Ford F-350 in the 8400 block of Local Hillsboro Road in Cedar Hill. Deputies discovered the pickup had been reported stolen out of St. Louis County and found a Sig Saur semi-automatic pistol in the pickup. The pistol had been reported stolen out of Olivette, and Dunn is not allowed to possess a firearm because he is a convicted felon, the report said.
In addition, Dunn was driving with a revoked license. He also was found with marijuana and syringes, according to the report.
Also on Sept. 20, 2016, Dunn was found with a stolen 1998 Loadmaster 18-foot trailer, valued at $8,500; a Delta fuel tank, valued at $800; and a 36-foot Louisville extension ladder, valued at $650, the probable-cause statement said.
In 2017, Dunn was arrested for three more felonies, according to court records.
On Oct. 16, 2017, Dunn was driving a Chevrolet Silverado 2500HD on Local Hillsboro Road near Carol Lane in Cedar Hill, and the pickup went off the side of the road and struck a tree. He was hurt and transported by helicopter to Mercy Hospital St. Louis in Creve Coeur. A Hi-Point .45-caliber semi-automatic pistol was found in the pickup, along with an ammunition box containing 33 bullets, the probable-cause statement said.
On Oct. 21, 2017, Dunn was seen driving a stolen 2001 Ford F-250 from Haskins Storage, 2751 Little Antire Road, in High Ridge, and officers attempted to stop him on Hwy. 30 near Dillon Road, but he fled and was able to alluded authorities. The Ford was later found abandoned near Old Sugar Creek and Als roads in unincorporated Fenton, the probable-cause statement said.
Authorities connected Dunn to the pickup based on distinguishing black spray paint covering the bottom half of the vehicle, surveillance footage showing him in the pickup, an eyewitness who saw Dunn in the pickup and an employee who was able to show Dunn used a gate code to access his storage locker on the premises, the report said.
On Oct. 25, 2017, authorities went to a home in the 4700 block of Tina Drive in House Springs to arrest Dunn on warrants for tampering with a motor vehicle and second-degree assault. While at the home, a gun safe in a shed was located, and it was confirmed the safe belonged to Dunn. Inside the safe was a clear plastic bag with a brown chunk substance that turned out to be heroin, according to the report.
Dunn currently is in the Eastern Reception and Diagnostic and Correctional Center in Bonne Terre.