A man suspected of having sexual intercourse with a horse at the La Plata County Fairgrounds pleaded guilty Friday to two unrelated counts: felony burglary and possession of burglary tools.
Jonah Barrett-Lesko, 25, faces anything from probation to five years in prison after signing a plea agreement with the 6th Judicial District Attorney’s Office. But he will most likely be sentenced to community corrections as long as he is accepted into the program.
Several charges were dismissed in accordance with the plea agreement, including the animal cruelty charge.
Deputy District Attorney Reid Stewart said animal cruelty was a lower-level offense than possession of burglary tools, which is why the animal cruelty charge was dismissed. Barrett-Lesko must still pay any restitution owed to the caretakers of the horse that was allegedly abused June 17 at the La Plata County Fairgrounds.
Barrett-Lesko appeared in good spirits and anxious to move forward with his life during a half-hour sentencing hearing Friday in La Plata County.
When a judge asked if Barrett-Lesko had reviewed and signed the plea agreement, he said, “Yes, your honor. Actually, I found it to be pretty gracious.”
When asked how he wanted to plead to the burglary charge, he said, “Absolutely guilty, your honor.” And to possession of burglary tools: “Also guilty, your honor.”
He stood with his hands clasped in front of him, wearing an orange jumpsuit and shackles.
Barrett-Lesko is suspected of sexually abusing the horse about 10 p.m. June 17. The caretakers of the horse allegedly observed the activity via a livestream camera that was installed in the horse’s stall.
During the act, Barrett-Lesko apparently saw the camera, tore it down and left behind some items that were later recovered by the Durango Police Department.
His crime spree after the horse incident stretched 2½ weeks, from at least June 19 to July 9, according to police and court records.
During that time, Barrett-Lesko is suspected of stealing six bicycles with a total value of $13,000, breaking into a parked car and shoplifting from stores. He also allegedly stole more than 150 items from Nature’s Oasis.
At Friday’s court hearing, Barrett-Lesko said he suffers from severe bipolar disorder but was feeling more lucid than he has at any other time. He said he is anxious to become enrolled in mental health treatment, and wants to get out of jail to reconnect with his girlfriend, who may be pregnant.
He said his mind is “coated” with the prospect of landing a job, noting that job opportunities in Durango have gone “ravenous.” He has seen some jobs in Durango that used to pay $12 that are now paying $17.
When asked if he understood the burglary charges related to stealing from Nature’s Oasis, he said: “I was hungry. I don’t think that exempts me from that (committing the crime).”
When asked about the burglary tools, including a cutting tool and bolt cutters, he said the bolt cutters were used for burglary; the other tools were used in crafting knives.
Sentencing is set for 10 a.m. Sept. 24 before District Judge Todd Norvell. In the meantime, he remains in jail on a $1,500 cash-only bail.
shane@durangoherald.com
