Son of U.S. Rep. Lauren Boebert pleads guilty to attempted identity theft, avoids felony conviction with deferred sentence
Tyler Boebert, the 19-year-old son of U.S. Rep. Lauren Boebert, pled guilty Thursday in Garfield County Court to charges stemming from his Feb 27 arrest. Boebert was taken into custody by Rifle police after a series of vehicle trespass and property theft incidents. He originally faced 22 charges, including multiple felony counts for identity theft and conspiracy.
With his family in attendance, Boebert entered a guilty plea to one count of attempted identity theft, a class five felony, as part of a plea agreement. The remaining charges were dismissed.
Ninth Judicial Judge Judge John Neiley explained the possible consequences Boebert could have faced had the plea agreement not been reached, citing a potential sentence of one to three years in the Department of Corrections and a possible fine of $100,000.
The agreement includes a two-year deferred judgment, meaning Boebert will avoid a felony conviction if he successfully completes his probation.
“If you successfully complete the probationary term in the deferral, that felony will be dismissed, so you won’t have a felony on your record,” Neiley added. “That is a huge benefit to you, because if you have a felony on your record, you can’t own firearms, you’re going to have trouble with employment. It’s just going to be bad news all the way down the line. You’re a young guy. You don’t want to have that on your record.”
District Attorney Virginia Sorrell emphasized the seriousness of the charges.
“Mr. Boebert was 18 at the time of these events and had no criminal history coming into this case. So this is a very serious manner in which to first come into contact with the criminal justice system,” Sorrell said. “This disposition allows Mr. Boebert an opportunity to succeed at probation and avoid sustaining a felony conviction at such a young age. The terms and conditions of that probation are open to the court.”
Sorrell also recommended Boebert perform community service during his probation, adding there was no indication that substance abuse played a role in his actions. Neiley agreed, requiring Boebert to complete 80 hours of community service during his first year of probation.
“You were 18 when you committed this offense,” Neiley said, addressing Boebert’s age and clean record. “I’m not aware of you having any prior record, and this is an opportunity that you should not squander.”
Neiley also reminded Boebert of the impact his actions had on the victims.
“You’ve also got to recognize that what you did also affected the lives of the victims in this case significantly,” Neiley said before imposing the two-year deferred judgment, along with 80 hours of community service.
Boebert will begin probation immediately. If he violates the terms of the deferred judgment, Boebert could face a felony conviction and further legal consequences.
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