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Lake Elsinore Man Faces Life In Prison Over Petty Theft Charge

MURRIETA (AP) — A Riverside County man facing a potential life sentence for shoplifting has denied he took about $21 worth of merchandise from a Home Depot store.

Scott Hove testified Tuesday that he put some gloves and wire in the waistband of his pants at the Lake Elsinore store in 2009. Hove says he intended to steal the items but changed his mind before he got out the door.

However, a Home Depot worker testified that he stopped Hove outside the door.

The 44-year-old Lake Elsinore man is charged with felony petty theft and faces 25 years to life under California's three strike law.

The North County Times says he has been to prison seven times and has previous convictions for burglary and selling methamphetamine.

(© Copyright 2010 The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.)

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