Tulsa World: Temporarily escaped inmate convicted upon return to court Friday

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Temporarily escaped inmate convicted upon return to court Friday

Antonio Myrie Jr.

By BILL BRAUN World Staff Writer
Published: 11/20/2009 9:40 PM
Last Modified: 11/20/2009 9:42 PM

A frequent felon incurred stiff sentences at a Tulsa County trial Friday and picked up three new counts tied to an escape after Thursday’s court session.

Jurors found Antonio C. Myrie Jr. guilty Friday of seven felonies — five counts of concealing or receiving stolen property and single counts of first-degree arson and second-degree burglary.

The jury imposed a life prison term for the arson and 30-year sentences on the other six counts. Myrie, 29, also was fined a total of $37,500.

Tulsa churches were the victims in the stolen property offenses, records show.

District Judge William Kellough will determine whether the sentences will run concurrently or consecutively at a Nov. 30 formal sentencing.

Assistant District Attorney Erik Grayless said he thinks consecutive sentences are appropriate for Myrie.

In the trial’s sentencing stage, jurors received evidence that Myrie accumulated 10 felony convictions in Tulsa County between 1999 and 2005 for burglary, unauthorized vehicle use, attempted auto larceny, concealing or receiving stolen property, possessing a stolen vehicle, escape, larceny of merchandise from a retailer, and placing bodily fluids on a government employee.

Regarding the burglary and arson counts resolved this week, Grayless asserted that Myrie broke into Name Brand Clothing, 7215 S. Memorial Drive, in August 2008 and set the store on fire.

Myrie escaped from a sheriff’s deputy as he was being led from a van back into the Tulsa Jail about 6:50 p.m. Thursday, a spokesman for the Sheriff’s Office said.

Two deputies were present when Myrie, who was handcuffed, broke free and ran toward the east doors of the sally port, where prisoners are brought into the jail.

Tulsa police caught him about 10 minutes later not far from the jail. He had escaped from his handcuffs and changed clothes, according to reports.

Prosecutors charged Myrie on Friday with escape, carrying a handcuff key to aid in an escape, and malicious injury to property owned by the Sheriff’s Office, records show.

By BILL BRAUN World Staff Writer

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Reader comments for this story have been moved to the most updated version of the story, now under the headline "Felon given life term for arson," which was published on 11/21/2009. So far, 21 comments have been made.