By Tracie Sullivan, For Iron County Today
A man involved in a high-speed pursuit that began in Washington County and ended in Iron County was sentenced Tuesday to prison after pleading guilty to possessing a stolen vehicle.
Maurice Terae Chavarry was sentenced Jan. 13 by Judge Meb Anderson to one to 15 years in the Utah State Prison following his conviction on a second-degree felony count of receiving or transferring a stolen vehicle. Restitution will be determined at a later date.
The sentence stems from a Friday, Nov. 7, 2025, incident in which law enforcement agencies pursued an orange Dodge Charger reported stolen earlier that day. Charging documents state the vehicle fled northbound on Interstate 15 at speeds reaching approximately 130 mph.
A police helicopter later located the vehicle near milepost 79 in Iron County after it lost a tire and left the roadway. The driver, identified as Chavarry, exited the vehicle and fled on foot before being taken into custody after officers set up a perimeter.
Investigators reported finding marijuana and drug paraphernalia on Chavarry at the time of his arrest. A search of the vehicle also uncovered a glass pipe that tested positive for methamphetamine. Court records state the driver was not wearing a seat belt and did not have a driver license in his possession.
Prosecutors said Chavarry initially provided a false name to officers and later to the court, identifying himself as Grant Parker before admitting his true identity. Law enforcement later confirmed his identity at the jail.
As part of a negotiated plea agreement entered in December, the state dismissed multiple additional charges, including felony failure to respond to police signals to stop, possession of controlled substances, reckless driving and providing false personal information to a peace officer.
At sentencing, prosecutors argued Chavarry was not a suitable candidate for probation, citing his criminal history, repeated probation and parole violations, and prior prison sentences.
They also challenged statements Chavarry made about how he came into possession of the vehicle, saying the victim reported the car had been taken from in front of his home. He also told investigators that he did not know Chavarry or give him permission to drive it.
Defense counsel asked the court to consider treatment options, while acknowledging Chavarry’s past failures on supervision.
In its sentencing order, the court recommended Chavarry participate in any available treatment programs while incarcerated. No fines or fees were imposed.