Facing felony charges in connection to a string of vehicle trespassing and property thefts, U.S. Rep. Lauren Boebert’s son, Tyler Boebert, was released on a personal recognizance bond on Wednesday afternoon.
The younger Boebert and several friends allegedly broke into three cars in Rifle on Feb. 20 and 21, where they stole wallets and used debit cards, gift cards and cash to go on a spending spree, according to the arrest affidavit. Over two days, the group allegedly drove around in Rifle and Parachute and hit two Kum & Go’s, a McDonald’s, a Love’s and a Starbucks, ratcheting up charges for gas, power drinks and tacos, arrest documents stated.
One of the purchases was a blue Gatorade, which put $3.43 on one woman’s debit card. In another transaction, the group allegedly bought a tank of gas for what police said appeared to be Boebert’s Ford 250 truck for $81.24, according to the affidavit.
The group also tried to use the debit card to purchase $717 in goods from Shein.com. However, the charge was rejected by the victim’s bank and she was alerted.
One of the victims, who told police she has a brain tumor, lost $75 in cash, which she said was the only money she has, the arrest document said. A few of the convenience stores visited by Rifle police had video of Boebert, who was described as wearing a grey hoodie from his mother’s now-defunct restaurant.
“When the male in the grey hoodie turned around, video shows the back of the hoodie read ‘Shooter’s Grill’ with what appeared to look like one revolver on each side of the title,” the police said in the affidavit.
Boebert was questioned on Feb. 27 and arrested that day. The other three suspects are not being named because they are juveniles.
Boebert, 18, wore a black and white striped jail jumpsuit for Tuesday’s virtual hearing.
“These are certainly concerning allegations,” said Tony Hershey, deputy district attorney for advisement for the 9th Judicial District. “My concern is for the activity and behavior that was going on here.”
Judge Jill McConaughy, with the 9th Judicial District, set Boebert’s PR bond for $1,250 should he not comply with court restrictions.
The hearing was virtual, but Hershey said that Lauren Boebert was listening in.
The Rifle Police Department announced the arrest of Tyler Jay Boebert, 18, on Tuesday at 2:30 p.m.
According to a Facebook Post, the police department said the younger Boebert is facing the following charges:
• Four felony counts of criminal possession of ID documents – multiple victims
• One felony count of conspiracy to commit a felony
• Over 15 additional misdemeanor and petty offenses.
In a statement Wednesday, Boebert said, “I love my son Tyler, who has been through some very difficult, public challenges for a young man and the subject of attention that he didn’t ask for. It breaks my heart to see my child struggling and in this situation, especially when he has been provided multiple opportunities to get his life on track.”
“I will never give up on him and I will continue to be there for him. As an adult and father, Tyler will take responsibility for his actions and should be held accountable for poor decisions just like any other citizen,” she added.
Earlier this year, Boebert’s husband, Jayson, was arrested after an altercation with the congresswoman. He was arrested for misdemeanor assault and criminal mischief.
In late 2023, Boebert announced she was leaving the 3rd Congressional District to run in the 4th CD, where Republican Ken Buck is not seeking reelection.
Tyler Boebert’s next appearance was set for April 11 in Garfield County court.
Colorado Politics reporter Ernest Luning contributed to this story.