Press Release from Kootenai County Prosecutor’s Office
Liviu Stelica, 34, was convicted of Grand Theft and Burglary. On October 19, 2023, Stelica stole two gold bars and several gold chains—valued at $33,000—from a local art and antique gallery. Posing as an interested buyer, Stelica convinced a gallery employee to begin wrapping several items for sale while other employees were busy with other customers. With all of the employees distracted, Stelica was able to steal the gold out of a nearby display case and leave the store undetected at the time. Fortunately, the gallery was equipped with surveillance cameras and the theft was caught on video. Hard-working detectives were able to identify Stelica and obtain an arrest warrant. Stelica was eventually located and extradited back to Idaho from Nebraska and first appeared in court on September 10, 2024. Grand Theft is a felony, punishable by up to 14 years in prison. Burglary is a felony, punishable by up to 10 years in prison. Stelica was sentenced on January 2, 2025.
Stelica is also being held on an immigration detainer with the federal government and is currently wanted out of Nebraska, Wyoming, and California for fraud, larceny, and fraud; respectively. Of course, Stelica is innocent until proven guilty in those cases.
Deputy Prosecuting Attorney Sam Stevens recommended Stelica be sentenced to prison for 4 years without the possibility of parole. This would allow Stelica to be immediately transported on his immigration detainer after serving his prison time.
At sentencing, District Judge Barry McHugh sent Stelica to prison for 3 years with no possibility of parole.
Prosecuting Attorney Stanley T. Mortensen thanks Sam Stevens for prosecuting the case and the Coeur d’Alene Police Department for investigating the case.
