Career criminal sentenced to 14 years in prison for second home burglary in Baytown

HOUSTON – A man who police say is a career criminal was sentenced to 14 years in prison on Tuesday for a second home burglary in Baytown, officials said.

Donald Freit, 49, pleaded guilty to burglary from an open garage at a home on Burning Tree Drive in July 2017, officials said. The homeowner, who'd been doing yard work, went inside for water and saw Freit with his trimmer and leaf blower, officials said.

After being confronted, Freit dropped the equipment, ran to a vehicle and sped away, officials said. He was later caught and arrested by Baytown police officers, officials said.

”Burglars violate the sanctity of people’s homes,” Assistant District Attorney Michael Hanover said after the Monday sentencing. “And this guy was brazen enough yet again to not even care someone was there.”

Freit had previously served 10 years in prison after a home burglary in 2007, after he smashed a window at 1:40 p.m. while a resident inside the home slept, officials said. Baytown police tracked Freit's blood trail to a nearby yard, where they found Freit with a stolen purse, officials said.

“We take the safety of our citizens and the sanctity of their homes and property very seriously,” said Lt. Steve Dorris of the Baytown Police Department. “We are thankful this case was so strong that he pleaded guilty and are hopeful that he will remain in prison where he can’t victimize anyone else.”


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