Dismissal clears Rupe of theft charge

MONTROSE — Charges against Michael Rupe, who was arrested on suspicion of stealing a rifle in September, were dismissed with prejudice Thursday.

Rupe, 33, was at the home of a suspected drug dealer on Highway 50 when the Delta/Montrose Drug Task Force served a search warrant on it. Agents reported the recovery of a mini-14 assault rifle, which they suspected Rupe of stealing. According to reports, Rupe said he’d purchased the gun in California.

He was ultimately charged with theft by receiving, which was dismissed Thursday.

Dismissal with prejudice means the charge cannot be re-filed. The district attorney’s office could not be reached for further information Friday.