GLENWOOD SPRINGS, Colo. (CN) — A Colorado judge issued a deferred sentence to the 19-year-old son of Republican U.S. Representative Lauren Boebert on Thursday after he pleaded guilty to a single charge for attempting to commit identity theft.
That charge related to a spree of vehicle break-ins committed around the small Colorado city of Rifle this year. Authorities say Tyler Boebert stole credit cards from the cars, using them to purchase fast food and other products.
Ninth Judicial District Chief Judge John Neiley urged Tyler Bobert to learn from his mistakes.
“I don’t know a lot about you, but I know you are a young man,” Neiley said. “You were 18 when you committed this offense. You have no prior criminal history, and this is an opportunity you should not squander.”
In accepting the proposed plea deal, Neiley said he also considered letters submitted by the mother of Tyler Boebert’s son, as well as from his parents, Lauren and Jason.
“I’m sure the proceedings in this court have been embarrassing for you and embarrassing for your family, but you must realize your actions have affected the lives of the victims,” Neiley said.
Boebert initially faced more than a dozen charges, including felony charges for criminal possession of ID documents and conspiracy to commit a felony. He also faced misdemeanor charges of trespass, identity theft and contributing to the delinquency of a minor.
Rifle police began investigating after a local woman reported her car had been broken into on Feb. 20.
Police found the victim’s debit card had been used at three gas stations, at a McDonald’s and at online fast-fashion store Shein to cover $717 worth of products. The card was finally rejected at a Starbucks.
Police identified Boebert in security footage obtained from a Love’s truck stop in Parachute, in which he was wearing a “Grit and Glory” hoodie. An accomplice wore a sweatshirt with the logo of Shooters Grill, a restaurant previously owned by Congresswoman Lauren Boebert.
Police investigated several other similar vehicle break-ins before arresting Tyler Bobert on Feb. 27.
After representing Colorado’s 3rd Congressional District for two terms, Lauren Bobert relocated east.
Boebert is now running against Democrat Trisha Calvarese to represent the state’s 4th, a conservative stronghold that spans the eastern half of the state. In June, she won her party’s primary for the district.
The congresswoman appeared in court on Thursday, rocking her grandson on her hip.
“Mr. Boebert’s family is in the courtroom. His primary focus is his family, and this agreement allows him to move forward and hopefully not have anything on his record,” said defense attorney William Trent Palmer of Carbondale. “Boebert accepts responsibility, and he looks forward to successfully completing probation.”
Boebert attended court in a black suit, with a black shirt and white tie. He declined to address the court.
Neiley ordered Boebert to complete 80 hours of community service. He prohibited him from using controlled substances.
“You’re too young to do that anyway,” the judge added.
Deputy District Attorney Virginia Sorrell led the prosecution. The hearing was held at the Garfield County Courthouse in Glenwood Springs, Colorado, and broadcast remotely via the state court’s website.
