Eds: APNewsNow.

BROOKINGS, S.D. (AP) A 15-year prison sentence has been handed down to an Oregon man who stole cigarettes from a Brookings convenience store.

Twenty-six year-old Jared Smith of Vale, Ore., pleaded guilty to one count of third-degree burglary for the Aug. 15 break-in. He used a tire iron to smash out a glass door, and a surveillance camera showed him stealing cigarettes.

Smith also has admitted to being a habitual criminal with three or more prior felonies and could have gotten up to 25 years in prison.

Before the sentencing this week, Brookings County State's Attorney Clyde Calhoon called Smith a career criminal but not a very good one, "because he seems to always get caught." Information from: Brookings Register, http://www.brookingsregister.com/ (Copyright 2009 by The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.) APNP 11-27-09 1045CST | save this article / add to your favorites list