A Texas man who broke into a home and had a brief standoff with law enforcement last year north of Durango was sentenced Thursday to 90 days in jail.

Prior to sentencing in 6th Judicial District Court, John Paul Root, who was 34 at the time of the incident, addressed the victim whose house he broke into and damaged.

“I’m deeply apologetic for what I did,” he said.

Root was arrested June 12, 2022, after invading a home on Animosa Drive in the Animas Valley. During the burglary, Root discharged two firearms, damaging the floors, ceilings, and windows.

“The event has forever changed my life,” said Francisa Martinez, who lives in the home Root burglarized. “I had to repair my father’s urn.”

Root pleaded guilty to first-degree burglary in a plea agreement with the District Attorney’s Office.

In addition to his jail sentence, Root faces five years probation, which he will serve in Colorado.

While his request to have his case transferred to Texas was denied, it was determined that his probation will be overseen by a veteran’s court.

Under the veteran’s court, Root will receive supervision throughout the course of his probationary sentence. He will have regular check-ins with a judge and the court will help connect him with rehabilitation services that are available to him as a veteran.

According to terms of his probation, Root must continue his membership and participation in Alcoholics Anonymous and pay $7,416.58 in restitution.

lveress@durangoherald.com