The United States Attorney's Office announced that during a federal court session in Missoula, on June 30, 2011, before U.S. District Judge Donald W. Molloy, DALE MICHAEL CHAMPINE, a 42-year-old resident of Sand Point, Idaho, appeared for sentencing. He was sentenced to a term of:

Probation: 5 years, with 6 months of home arrest

Special Assessment: $100

Restitution: $6,695

He was sentenced in connection with his guilty plea to conspiracy to interstate transportation of stolen property.

In an Offer of Proof filed by Assistant U.S. Attorney Timothy J. Racicot, the government stated it would have proved at trial the following:

On May 1, 2010, an individual, identified here as "John Doe," stole a 2005 Harley Davidson motorcycle from an individual in Missoula. In mid-July 2010, "John Doe" transported the motorcycle from Missoula to Sandpoint, Idaho, and delivered it to a second individual, identified here as "John Smith." Steven Beal and CHAMPINE were present during the delivery. The individuals who were present discussed whether the motorcycle was stolen or "hot," and the motorcycle was referred to as a "parts bike." "John Doe" did not have a title or any other paperwork for the parts bike when it was delivered to "John Smith."

After the parts bike was delivered to Idaho, it was dismantled by CHAMPINE and "John Smith." On July 22, 2010, an undercover law enforcement officer recorded a conversation involving CHAMPINE where CHAMPINE referred to "John Doe" bringing over a parts bike to "sweeten the deal," which CHAMPINE said he had at his spot. When asked if he was stripping it down, CHAMPINE said it was already done.

After the parts bike was delivered and dismantled, the undercover officer bought the motor from yet another individual, identified here as "John White," and Beal took possession of several of the parts. On September 1, 2010, Beal told the undercover officer that the motor the officer purchased was stolen and suggested that the officer pull the cases off the motor and bring them up to Beal's property so they could bury them. Also on September 1, 2010, Beal gave the undercover officer the parts that Beal had received after the parts bike was dismantled.

Law enforcement officers analyzed fingerprints lifted off the stolen motor and identified a print that matches "John Smith" and a print that matches CHAMPINE.

Beal pled guilty to federal charges and is awaiting sentencing.

The investigation was a cooperative effort between the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives and the Bonner County Idaho Sheriff's Office.

 

 

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