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Arrest made in downtown Steamboat business burglary

STEAMBOAT SPRINGS — Steamboat Springs Police Department on Sunday arrested the man they believe burglarized a downtown business.

Ryan J. Sabia, 18, is also suspected of forging a prescription for pain medication.

Ryan Sabia

Sabia faces felony charges of second-degree burglary, theft, possession of a controlled substance and fraud. He also faces a misdemeanor charge of second-degree forgery.

Police had been investigating a burglary at Sand Gallery at the corner of 11th Street and Lincoln Avenue, which was discovered April 15. The gallery sells high-end glass art, including jewelry and smoking devices.

The owner of the gallery, Mason Light, had been doing his own investigation into the burglary using social media hoping to discover the stolen glass pieces for sale.

Light also learned from a friend that Sabia had been asking about the burglary while incarcerated at the Routt County Jail, according to an arrest affidavit.

Light researched Sabia on Facebook and discovered evidence “directly linking him in possession of three stolen items” from the gallery, according to the affidavit.

On Sunday, an employee at the Nordic Lodge told police that Sabia had been staying at the lodge and offered to sell her high-end glass artwork, according to the affidavit. The value of the three pieces of glass, which are pendants, is $6,200.

When Sabia arrived at the lodge, police took him into custody.

A day after the burglary on April 16, Sabia was arrested on suspicion of the crimes related to forging a prescription.

Police had been contacted by an oral surgeon who treated Sabia. A pharmacy manager also contacted police.

Sabia had been prescribed five Narco pain killer tablets after a surgery April 3.

According to an arrest warrant affidavit, Sabia changed the prescription and was given 50 tablets.

Police Commander Annette Dopplick said the police department remains committed to working with its partners to offer programs for people suffering from addictions.

“We won’t be able to arrest our way out of the problems that come with addictions,” Dopplick said.

To reach Matt Stensland, call 970-871-4247, email mstensland@SteamboatToday.com or follow him on Twitter @SBTStensland.


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