Missoula Man Arrested for Stealing From Family He Lived With

Missoula, MT (KGVO-AM News) - At approximately 6:28 p.m. on May 26, 2025, a Missoula County Sheriff’s Office deputy was dispatched to a reported burglary in the 400 block of Speedway Ave.

When the deputy arrived at the scene, he spoke with Jane Doe, who said her son had come home earlier, found the front door unlocked, and saw that all the drawers in the home were open. Doe and her husband came home and discovered several items were missing, including:  

• A flatscreen TV
• Magic cards
• Four Coors beers
• Various groceries
• A Blink security camera
• Prescription medication

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While reviewing footage from the Blink security camera, Doe saw 25-year-old Austin Duke climbing through the window next to the front door. He then approached the camera and shut it off. Doe said Duke and his wife had been living in a camper in their driveway but were told to leave earlier that day. They believed Duke’s wife helped Duke in the burglary, as they were both upset about being kicked out.  

After leaving the scene, the deputy contacted pre-trial services and learned Duke was wearing an ankle monitor. His location showed he was at a residence in the 1800 block of Defoe St. The deputy saw Duke walking up to a green Jeep and advised him he was not free to leave.  

Duke agreed to speak with the deputy after being read Miranda rights. At first, Duke claimed he didn’t know anything about the incident. From outside the Jeep, the deputy saw a flat-screen TV. Duke said it was his. Duke admitted he lived in the camper and said he’d only enter the house with permission, or if the door was unlocked. He first denied ever going in through the window, but later admitted he did so 2–3 days ago.  

READ MORE: Missoula News - Crime Reports

When the video of him entering the house was shown, Duke said it was old footage. Doe confirmed the footage was from that same day using her security app. The deputy arrested Duke. He insisted it wasn’t burglary and admitted he lied about entering the house that day because he didn’t think it was a big deal. He offered to let officers search the Jeep and gave written consent after being advised of his rights to refuse a search.  

The search revealed:  

• Groceries  
• Four Coors beers  
• Medication prescribed to Doe  
• A check issued to Duke by the Missoula County Jail  
• Various drug paraphernalia 

Duke was transferred to the Missoula County Detention Center. He is currently being charged with felony burglary, attempted tampering with or fabricating physical evidence, and criminal possession of drug paraphernalia. His bond was set at $20,000. 

The information in this article was obtained from sources that are publicly viewable.