A habitual offender from Littleton, who police say stole a Jeep in Vermont and fled state troopers

A habitual offender from Littleton, who police say stole a Jeep in Vermont and fled state troopers at high speeds in southern New Hampshire before being apprehended, will serve at least 1 1/2 years in state prison, according to a proposed plea deal. William J. Blanchard, 34, was indicted at Merrimack Superior Court on a Class A felony count of receiving stolen property and a Class B felony count of driving after being certified a habitual offender. Proposed through a fully negotiated plea for the stolen property charge is a prison sentence of 1 1/2 to 3 years. Prosecutors are asking for a prison sentence of 2 to 4 years for the habitual offender charge, suspended for five years after his release from prison and on condition of good behavior. A misdemeanor count of disobeying a police officer will carry a House of Corrections sentence of 12 months but will run concurrently with his prison sentence. Blanchard will also be required to pay a speeding fine of $434. A plea and sentencing hearing is scheduled for Jan. 4 at Merrimack Superior Court.