Man pleads guilty to concert thefts

Brian David Radabah, 25, pleaded guilty to one felony count of theft for stealing items during an orchestra concert as per a plea agreement on Thursday in Flathead District Court.

On the stand, Radabah admitted to taking a laptop, cell phone, purses, keys, cash and clothing that had been left in a room at Flathead High School during a symphony performance on Oct. 16, 2016. The total value of items taken was more than $2,000. An officer was able to recover most of the stolen items.

Radabah also offered apologies to the victims and the court.

“I just wanted to apologize to the victims for taking the things that did not belong to me,” Radabah said, noting that when he was caught by police he, “... looked one family in the face and apologized and handed it [stolen items] directly to them.”

Radabah will be released on his own recognizance. In exchange for pleading guilty, the state will recommend the court impose a three-year sentence to the Department of Corrections with all time suspended, according to the plea agreement filed Jan. 17. The defense will recommend the court impose a three-year deferred imposition of sentence, which would allow Radabah to be placed under probation, and if successfully completed, the felony may be wiped from the record.

Reporter Hilary Matheson can be reached at 758-4431 or hmatheson@dailyinterlake.com.