Former Steamboat Springs High School teacher pleads guilty to theft
June 15, 2017
Crime and Courts
A former Steamboat Springs High School industrial arts teacher pleaded guilty to a felony and a misdemeanor Thursday.
Dustin "Dusty" Dike had been charged with seven felonies and five misdemeanors. As part of a plea deal, Dike pleaded guilty to felony theft and misdemeanor first-degree criminal tampering.
Dike was first arrested June 16, 2016, after police suspected him of stealing a $75,000 backhoe.
Steamboat police then discovered evidence that led them to believe Dike had committed other crimes. Police believe Dike burglarized a ski shop in Gondola Square as well as a business on 13th Street, which reported $7,000 worth of items had been stolen.
In November 2016, Dike pleaded not guilty, and a trial was scheduled.
Recommended Stories For You
Dike pleaded guilty Thursday before Judge Shelley Hill. Sentencing has been scheduled for Aug. 24 at 1 p.m.
The probation department will meet with Dike and prepare a presentence investigation report that will outline recommendations.
The standard prison sentence for felony theft is between two and six years. The misdemeanor carries a sentence of up to 18 months in jail.
As part of the plea deal, Dike will be responsible for paying damages.
Dike's Denver-based attorney Eric Fenster said in court that he planned to submit documentation stating Dike suffers from a medical condition.
Dike is undergoing experimental medical treatment, Fenster said, and he is hoping that Dike can be sentenced to court-supervised probation.
To reach Matt Stensland, call 970-871-4247, email mstensland@SteamboatToday.com or follow him on Twitter @SBTStensland
