A man from Libby has been sentenced to prison after being found guilty of felony burglary charges. Clifford Scott Admire, 55, initially entered a plea of not guilty during his arraignment on April 28, 2024. Just days before his trial commenced in late January, Admire requested a new public defender, but this request was denied by Lincoln County District Judge Matt Cuffe. On January 27, Admire was convicted, and on March 31, Judge Cuffe sentenced him to 15 years in Montana State Prison, with 10 of those years suspended. Admire was credited with 27 days for time already spent in custody and is required to pay $5,403 in restitution.
During the sentencing hearing, Admire expressed a desire to apologize to his community and aspired to become a role model. He also appealed for leniency, citing a blood parasite contracted in Florida as a personal hardship. His public defender, Scott B. Johnson, requested the waiver of fines and fees due to Admire’s medical conditions and inability to work. Judge Cuffe highlighted Admire’s extensive criminal record, including previous burglary charges in Nevada, one of which led to a conviction and a fully suspended sentence.
Admire, who had been released on his own recognizance on May 6, was taken back into custody at the county jail, where he is awaiting transfer to Deer Lodge. The charges stemmed from an incident on April 9, when Lincoln County Sheriff’s deputy Derek Breiland responded to a report of two men trespassing in a building on U.S. 2. The property caretaker identified Admire as one of the men seen inside a building containing personal possessions and valuables. Although Admire claimed to have the landowner’s permission to be on the property, neither the landowner nor Captain John Davis corroborated this claim.
Deputy Breiland noted that Admire had entered the building but denied taking anything. Upon investigation, Breiland found evidence of forced entry, including a broken door jamb and fresh wood debris on the floor. The caretaker reported seeing Admire’s red 1998 Ford Ranger at the property’s entrance about a week prior, suggesting Admire had been surveilling the location. Breiland also documented Admire’s previous burglary conviction in Nevada dating back to February 1999.
The Impact on Community and Legal System
The conviction and sentencing of Clifford Scott Admire have significant implications for the local community and the broader legal system. This case highlights the challenges faced by law enforcement and judicial authorities in dealing with repeat offenders. Admire’s extensive criminal history, including previous burglary charges, underscores the need for effective rehabilitation programs to reduce recidivism rates.
For the community, this case serves as a reminder of the importance of vigilance and cooperation with law enforcement to ensure public safety. Incidents such as this can erode trust within neighborhoods, emphasizing the need for proactive measures to safeguard personal and communal property. The resolution of this case also reflects the judicial system’s commitment to upholding the law and delivering justice, reinforcing the community’s confidence in its ability to maintain order and security.