Box sentenced for car theft, bail jumping

A Polson man admitted to stealing a car and skipping court. Charlie Corbin Box, 20, entered a plea of guilty in Polson District Court March 6 to felony theft and bail jumping charges.

The plea was entered as part of an agreement that dismisses charges of criminal possession of dangerous drugs and criminal distribution of imitation drugs. Judge Molly Owen went immediately to sentencing. 

Box had the imposition of sentencing deferred for three years for theft and a two-year commitment to the Montana Department of Corrections, with all that time suspended, except for 53 days jail time already served, on the bail-jumping charge The terms are to run consecutively to each other.

According to court records, on April 27, 2023, a woman contacted law enforcement to report that her grandson had stolen a car and wanted her to be his alibi on the night of the theft. The stolen vehicle was located at a Polson residence where Box was staying. 

A search of the vehicle turned up rock salt. A person at the residence indicated Box was selling the rock salt to people and telling them it was meth. He also indicated that Box had intentions of trading the stolen car for 50 fentanyl pills. 

After further investigation, Box was located and admitted to stealing the car from a “friend” in the St. Ignatius area. He also admitted that he sold rock salt as methamphetamine.

Judge Owen also ordered Box to pay restitution of $1,443.32 and ordered Box be released on his own recognizance.