PARIS – A Hebron man had his case in Oxford County Superior Court continued Thursday because he’s now in basic training at Fort Knox, Ky.

Matthew C. Crowell, 21, of Hebron Center Road is charged with eluding an officer, driving to endanger, criminal speed, and operating after suspension in connection with a high-speed chase last April. Eluding an officer is a Class C felony with a maximum prison sentence of five years, while the other charges are misdemeanors.

Justice Joyce Wheeler ordered Crowell’s case continued to January.

A letter from U.S. Army Sgt. Ronald L. Miller with the 194th Armored Brigade at Fort Knox was included in Crowell’s court file Thursday. In the letter, Miller states that Crowell voluntarily told an Auburn Army recruiter that he had pending charges.

“The last thing Matthew intended to do was escape justice by joining the Army,” the letter said. “I can assure you that he is not a bad citizen and is striving to become an excellent soldier.”

The typed letter appears on plain paper and, according to its heading, was faxed from a TD Banknorth office in Gray in October. Assistant District Attorney Joe O’Connor said he would “expect something more official” before continuing the matter.

O’Connor was unavailable for further comment Thursday, but previously said Crowell’s time with the military will not affect the case before the court.