COLORADO SCHOOL COMPUTER THIEVES SENTENCED Glenwood Springs Post Independent - Valley News:

Second man sentenced in GSES computer theft case


GLENWOOD SPRINGS, Colo. — Garret Edquist, 19, was sentenced Thursday to two years of probation and 80 hours of community service for stealing computer equipment from Glenwood Springs Elementary School.

Edquist apologized before receiving the sentence, saying he made an irresponsible decision and accepts the consequences.

As part of a plea agreement for theft, he'll receive a two-year deferred judgment and sentence, meaning he'll have the chance to keep the crime off his record. A period of 90 days will be allowed to determine if there is any restitution payments to be made in the case. Edquist must also write a letter of apology to the school and pay court fees. Attorneys said he already spent eight days in jail.

A co-offender, Will Rinehart, recently received the same sentence. The two had stolen about $10,000 worth of computer equipment from GSES in December and then turned themselves in the next day. Students at the school were said to have cheered when an announcement was made that the equipment was returned. The two originally faced charges oftheft, second-degree burglary and criminal mischief.

"These are two young men who have a whole lot going for them," Judge Daniel Petre said. "Obviously, he is able to improve himself and his prospects through hard work," he added, explaining that Edquist recently obtained a better, higher-paying job.

"I can assure you he's learned quite a lesson here," Public Defender James Conway said.



Contact Pete Fowler: 945-8515, ext. 16611
pfowler@postindependent.com