A Winlock man faces two new felony charges just weeks after his release from jail. The first offense — theft of a motor vehicle — allegedly occurred in June.
Jose H. Padron Jr., 30, was charged with an additional count of escape from community custody after he allegedly failed to make himself available to his community corrections officer.
He made a preliminary appearance in Lewis County Superior court Thursday.
Padron was serving a one-year community custody sentence for convictions of third-degree assault of a law enforcement officer and resisting arrest. He was released from jail Oct. 3.
According to court documents, Padron was a suspect for the June theft of a 2012 Chevrolet truck — which he allegedly returned to the owner's property after an undisclosed period of time.
After the truck’s return, a Lewis County Sheriff’s Office deputy “searched the recovered truck and located a tooter straw and foil with suspected narcotics in the center console,” according to court documents. He also found an EBT card belonging to Padron.
The deputy submitted the “tooter straw” to the Washington State Patrol Crime Lab. On Oct. 10, he received results showing a match to Padron.
Five days later, the deputy learned that Padron had a felony warrant with the state Department of Corrections (DOC). He located Padron and arrested him.
According to court documents, the DOC warrant was issued on Oct. 13.
During the preliminary hearing, Deputy Prosecutor Brandi Archer asked for a bail of $50,000, saying she had “no confidence” that Padron would return to court without a significant amount.
Defense attorney Rachael Tiller said the count of motor vehicle theft was not a new allegation, and noted there was already a hold from the DOC.
Judge Paul Strophy concluded there was a basis to set bail, but acknowledged Padron’s financial circumstances. He set bail at $20,000 cash or bond.
Padron is scheduled for an arraignment on Oct. 23. Joseph Paul Enbody has been assigned to represent him.
