OPELOUSAS, La. (KLFY) — A Eunice man could face decades in prison following his conviction of several counts of theft from people’s cars, prosecutors said.

Billy James Thomas, 49, of Eunice, was found guilty in the 27th Judicial District Court of three counts of simple burglary from a vehicle, one count of attempted theft of over $5,000 and one count of attempted theft of over $1,000.

Prosecutors said surveillance videos showed Thomas rummaging through unlocked vehicles in people’s open garages.

The burglary charges are punishable by up to 12 years in prison, and the attempted theft charges by up to 5 years, officials said.

Prosecutors said Thomas has a history of multiple felony convictions, so St. Landry Parish District Attorney Chad Pitre will seek to have him sentenced under Louisiana’s habitual offender law.

Louisiana’s habitual offender law, also called the “three strikes” law, increases penalties for repeat felony offenders, with sentences ranging from double the maximum for a second offense to life imprisonment for a third or fourth. It also requires offenders to serve a minimum of 85% of the duration of their sentence.

Sentencing is scheduled for Nov. 20.

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