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Charges expected for teens in Sept. 18 car theft

Matt Stensland

— The Routt County District Attorney’s office plans to file charges against teens thought to have played a role in the theft of a car earlier this month in Steamboat Springs.

Two adults were arrested, and charges are pending for them as well as the juveniles who police think were riding in the car, Routt County Chief District Attorney Rusty Prindle said.

Joseph Colin Haight, 18, of Steamboat, was arrested and booked into Routt County Jail on Wednesday. Randall Lee Nelson, 19, of Steamboat, was booked Thursday.



According to a police affidavit filed with the Routt County Court, a teenage boy reported to Steamboat Springs Police Department officers Sept. 18 that an iPod, sunglasses and goggles had been taken from his car that was parked overnight at the Howelsen Skate Park. The teenager also told police that his car had been moved. Two days later, the teenager told police that several teens had taken his car up to Buffalo Pass, the affidavit states.

After interviewing witnesses, police thought Haight drove the car knowing he did not have permission and stole the items, the affidavit states. The other three teens were passengers in the car.



Haight was arrested on suspicion of felony second-degree motor vehicle theft, felony first-degree criminal trespass of a motor vehicle and misdemeanor theft. Nelson was arrested on suspicion of felony conspiracy to second-degree motor vehicle theft.

Nelson still was in custody Thursday morning. Haight was released Wednesday on a $5,000 personal-recognizance bond.

Haight is being represented by attorney Patrick Welsh, who said Thursday that he is in the process of reviewing the reports provided by the District Attorney’s office.


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