Marine Lance Hering, who staged an expensive disappearing act in the foothills two years ago, not only faces jail time in Boulder County but also a $33,057 bill that has barely been touched.
Hering was booked into Boulder County Jail on Saturday on $5,000 bail. He posted bond and was released about 2 p.m.
The day before, Hering was sentenced by a military judge at Camp Pendleton, Calif., to forfeit $1,160 in back pay after he pleaded guilty to unauthorized absence for more than 30 days, terminated by apprehension.
The judge gave Hering, 23, credit for time served in the brig, and his case was referred to a board to determine his discharge status.
In Boulder, Hering faces a probation violation that comes from a 2004 conviction of attempted burglary as well as a false-reporting charge in connection with his 2006 disappearance. Both could possibly bring jail time.
The Marine is due back in court on Jan. 7 for his probation violation. He’s scheduled to face the false reporting charge on Jan. 28.
“It’s way too early to know what direction things will go,” said Hering’s attorney, Alex Garlin.
As a standard condition of bond, Hering is prohibited from leaving the state without the court’s permission.
“With Lance back in Boulder, he and his family are looking forward to a reunion that’s been a long time coming for them,” Garlin said. “And as part of that reunion, they’re hoping for the same peace and privacy that most families are lucky enough to enjoy, particularly during the holiday season.”
There is also the matter of the $33,057 racked up by Boulder County in hard costs in the 2006 search for the missing Marine, said sheriff’s Lt. Phil West.
Hering’s friend Steve Powers — who initially reported Hering missing on Aug. 30, 2006 — was sentenced in 2007 and was given until January 2009 to pay the entire $33,057, West said. So far, only about $1,752 has been paid.
The Sheriff’s Office hopes that if Hering is found guilty of the false-reporting charge, he will also be ordered to help pay the remaining $31,305, West said.
“Our goal is that we be paid upfront so that Mr. Powers and Mr. Hering won’t string this out for years,” West said.
Denver Post staff writer Kevin Simpson contributed to this report.
