By Tracie Sullivan, For Iron County Today
A Nevada man who admitted participating in a violent burglary at a downtown Cedar City jewelry store was sentenced Tuesday to prison for his role in the crime.
Eric Drexel Resma, 48, received concurrent prison sentences of one to 15 years for attempted aggravated burglary and theft, along with a concurrent zero to five-year sentence for aggravated assault. He was also ordered to pay $22,221 in restitution.
Because the sentences will be served concurrently, Resma faces a maximum prison term of 15 years. The Utah Board of Pardons and Parole will determine how long he ultimately serves within that range.
“We appreciate the victims in this case for their cooperation, patience, and assistance to law enforcement throughout this investigation and prosecution,” Iron County Attorney Chad Dotson said in a statement. “Their willingness to come forward and participate in the criminal justice process was essential in securing this outcome.”
Dotson said he hopes the prosecution sends “a clear message that individuals who travel to Iron County from other states to commit crimes will be held accountable.”
According to charging documents, Resma drove an SUV with its license plate concealed to Clark and Linford Jewelers in downtown Cedar City in the early morning hours of July 27, 2025, while an accomplice broke through the store’s front door and began stealing jewelry.
The store owner, who lived in an apartment above the business, confronted the suspect after hearing the glass break. Investigators said the owner was struck twice with a crowbar-like weapon before attempting to identify the driver by leaning into the SUV.
Court documents allege Resma drove away while the owner was still leaning into the vehicle before the owner was able to free himself.
Police said a Southern Utah University police officer later attempted to stop the vehicle, but it fled, leading officers on a pursuit before crashing near Interstate 15.
Investigators said the suspects discarded a backpack containing stolen jewelry during the chase before fleeing on foot. Officers arrested Resma after finding him hiding in nearby bushes.
Police recovered approximately $70,000 worth of stolen jewelry, burglary tools, methamphetamine and drug paraphernalia from the vehicle, according to the affidavit.
Before sentencing, Resma submitted a handwritten letter to the court apologizing for his actions.
In the letter, he wrote that he had struggled with methamphetamine addiction since childhood, expressed remorse for the impact his crimes had on his family and the victims, and said a jail-based recovery program had changed his outlook and given him hope for the future.