Briefly stealing an out-of-state visitor’s vehicle from the Homesteader Park rest area netted more than four months of jail time for a Powell man.

Jonathan C. Padilla was arrested immediately after the October incident, and he remained in custody until Friday, when he pleaded guilty to a misdemeanor count of theft.

Prosecutors originally charged Padilla with felony level theft — since the SUV was valued at more than $1,000 — but reduced it as part of a plea deal.

Deputy Park County Prosecuting Attorney Ericka Smith said the 134 days of jail time was an appropriate punishment. She described it as a clear case of “joyriding” rather than an attempt to permanently steal the Nissan Rogue from the Wisconsin man who’d parked it at the rest area. The SUV was not damaged and, with the help of Powell police, “was returned almost immediately,” Smith said.

“I think this probably stemmed from, perhaps an emotional or mental issue that was happening that moment,” she added.

Court documents say Padilla’s parents and his defense attorney raised concerns about his mental state during and after the Oct. 24 incident. His parents had called police around 3:30 a.m. to report that Padilla had broken into their rural Powell home, and it was while responding to that call that officers learned he’d stolen the Nissan.

Park County Circuit Court Judge Joey Darrah did not impose any costs or fees on Friday, saying he hoped Padilla could “get on with your life and just put this all behind you.”

Padilla expressed his thanks to the judge and said he’s looking to enter military service.

“You’re kind of going into the military at a really unique time,” Darrah said. “I wish you luck and hopefully you stay safe.”

A separate misdemeanor charge of criminal entry that stemmed from an unrelated Oct. 16 incident on Division Street was also dropped as a part of the plea deal.