New Mexico inmate faces 111 years after wild furlough

CLOVIS, N.M. (AP) — A New Mexico inmate who was granted a brief furlough before an expected seven-year sentence now faces 111 years in prison after authorities say he returned late following a slew of new crimes. The Eastern New Mexico News reports Brandon Wagner was arraigned this week on new charges of shoplifting and aggravated assault. Those charges came after prosecutors say the 33-year-old Wagner returned over 16 hours late to the Curry County jail following a March 27 plea conference. A judge had granted a five-hour furlough so Wagner could visit his family before being sentenced for identity theft and forgery convictions. Prosecutors say during his furlough Wagner stole $5,000 in rings from a jewelry store, tried to smuggle heroin into jail and attacked a health care worker. Wagner's attorney, Benjamin Herrmann, did not immediately return a phone message. ___ Information from: The Eastern New Mexico News, http://www.easternnewmexiconews.com