WARSAW — An Argos man was released after accruing enough jail time credit prior to his sentencing in Kosciusko County Circuit Court today, May 15.

Richard Ray LaFrance III, 19, 12498 18B Rd., Argos was sentenced on a charge of auto theft, a level 6 felony.

On Aug. 14 a Marshall County Deputy discovered a 2004 silver Cadillac in the roadway, out of gas. LaFrance was the operator whose driver’s license was suspended and the vehicle registration was not valid. LaFrance stated he left a minivan as collateral to test drive the Cadillac.

The owner of the minivan stated she had loaned LaFrance her vehicle and he had failed to return it.

Officers located the minivan in Kosciusko County. The resident stated he had a 2004 silver Cadillac for sale that was currently being test driven. LaFrance told the seller that he needed to show the vehicle to his grandmother, who would give him money to purchase the vehicle. LaFrance failed to return with the test-driven vehicle.

Judge Michael Reed accepted a guilty plea and sentenced LaFrance to one year at Kosciusko Sheriff’s Department. LaFrance had already served 216 days since his arrest on Oct. 10 and after the additional 216 days for good time – totaling 432 days – he had successfully served his sentence.

LaFrance is still facing charges of possession of stolen property and unlawful possession of a syringe that were filed in Marshall County.