'My Stupid Decision': Man Admits To Stealing Highway Patrol Dive Gear, Cops Say

CRAWFORD COUNTY, Mo. — A Steelville, Mo. man is facing multiple felony charges after the Highway Patrol says he stole rescue dive equipment from a storage building and later allegedly admitted to it.

The Patrol says on March 31 the items were discovered to be missing from a MoDot shed in Cuba, Mo. The stolen items included:

• two lead batteries

• one lithium-ion battery

• two tool sets and lights

• two DiveX BlackTip Tech Scooter inside black hard cases which include accessories,

• eight Light and Motion Sola 2500 underwater video lights,

• a black Shearwater Perdix 2 Ti Dive Computer GPS Transmitter which is attached to one of the DiveX BlackTip Tech Scooters.

An estimated value of all of the items that were stolen is approximately $17,000. Three of the motorboats were inoperable due to the batteries cables being cut and the batteries being stolen.

The Patrol says investigators found bolt cutters, a camouflage mask, and a Wal-Mart receipt showing the purchase of those items, at the scene. Using the receipt, investigators were able to use Wal-Mart security camera footage to identify Dennis C. Hope as a suspect.

During a search at the home where Hope had been living, authorities say they found meth and drug paraphernalia, with multiple children living in the home.

When Hope was arrested and questioned, authorities say he admitted to the crime, acknowledging a meth abuse problem.

The Patrol provided a portion of Hope's interview in the Probable Cause document: "I can't recall the whole day, but I mean honestly man you guys got your stuff back and I'm sorry for... I've been struggling with meth, you know. I was a little bit delusional, not saying that's the reason that I did it, but I wasn't myself and I did some stupid shit with your guy's stuff. That night, I wasn't myself the next day, I felt remorse... I do apologize to you guys personally."

Hope has prior convictions for stealing, burglary, and possession of a controlled substance.

Hope is now charged with:

• Stealing, 1 count -- Class D Felony

• Tampering With Service Of Utility Or Institution, 1st Degree, 3 counts -- Class D Felony

• Property Damage, 1st Degree, 1 count -- Class E Felony

He is being held without bond.