Mug shot of Richard Hatchell
Lexington County, S.C. (WLTX)-- A Leesville man has been sentenced to life in prison, after pleading guilty to charges connected to a burglary and chase last year in Lexington County.
According to the Lexington County Solicitor's Office, 57-year-old Richard Hatchell plead guilty to First Degree Burglary and Failure to Stop for a Blue Light , before the case went to trial.
The charges stem from a burglary that happened on November 11, 2011. Authorities say Hatchell broke into a house in Gilbert and stole jewelry and some other items. a 17 year old girl, who was at home sick from school, hid in a laundry room and called 911 as the burglary took place.
Authorities say when they arrived on the scene, Hatchell took off in a van and refused to stop for blue lights. The chase continued for 6 miles. Once over, authorities say they found the stolen items inside the vehicle.
The Solicitor's Office says Hatchell had an extensive criminal history dating back to the 1970s.