Man arrested in 2023 SWAT operation in Loveland sentenced to 4 1/2 years in prison – Loveland Reporter-Herald

Lucas Dilley, the man arrested during a SWAT operation in west Loveland in early 2023, was sentenced to 4 1/2 years in prison.

Dilley, 34, appeared before 8th District Court Judge Sarah Cure on Wednesday morning, about a month after pleading guilty to burglary, a Class 4 felony, and possession of a controlled substance, a Class 4 drug felony, for the March 2023 incident. Tuesday’s hearing also addressed another case in which he was charged with second-degree burglary, a Class 3 felony, and criminal damage to property, a Class 1 misdemeanor, charges that were ultimately dropped.

Assistant District Attorney Jessica Hitchings said Dilley has a significant criminal history, including domestic violence, which led to the incident in which he attempted to confront his girlfriend, which resulted in his arrest in March 2023.

She said in the case he pleaded guilty to, Dilley broke into her home by climbing onto a second-story balcony on March 15, 2023, after an argument with his then-girlfriend, Gabrielle Lunceford. (In a separate case, Lunceford was sentenced to 13 years in prison in April after pleading guilty to attempted second-degree murder.)

Hitchings said Dilley stole a tablet from the apartment before leaving while trying to contact Lunceford, who was in the middle of corresponding with police.

Later, Loveland Police SWAT teams arrived at Dilley’s apartment, where a negotiator attempted to get Dilley to come out, which he initially refused. According to previously released information, officers eventually used “noise and flash distraction devices” and “chemical munitions” to get Dilley to come out.

Hitchings said investigators found both drugs and a firearm in Dilley’s apartment after his arrest.

She added that in the other case, on a different day, Dilley allegedly went on a “rampage” while looking for Lunceford, eventually kicking in the door of a hotel room where he thought she was, but which instead contained a family with several children.

She argued that given Dilley’s criminal history and violation of protection orders, a six-year prison sentence was appropriate.

“Mr. Dilley has repeatedly demonstrated a tendency toward violence, particularly toward partners and specifically toward Ms. Lunceford,” she said.

Matthew Morris, Dilley’s attorney, argued that the context of the incident provides more information about Dilley’s mental state at the time, including bipolar disorder and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).

However, he said that this was no excuse for what happened and that Dilley recognized that his behavior was wrong.

“He is here to take responsibility for this,” he said.

Morris claimed that Lunceford played a role in the couple’s toxic relationship, citing the seriousness of the accusation for which she is now serving a prison sentence.

“It wasn’t good for either of them, and it certainly wasn’t good for their relationship,” he said.

Speaking on his own behalf, Dilley said he is working to move forward in his life and take responsibility for his actions in this incident and in the past. He said he has since begun psychiatric treatment, taking several supplements to support his diagnoses.

He added that he has great support from his family; members of his family were in the courtroom when the verdict was announced. He wants to improve and not let himself sink any further.

“I chose the better because I deserve better,” he said. “My apologies to the community and the court.”

Cure said she acknowledged that Dilley’s actions were likely the result of substance abuse, a traumatic childhood and untreated mental health issues, but said his “significant” criminal history posed a “community safety issue.”

She ultimately sentenced him to 4 1/2 years in the Department of Corrections for burglary and two years for drug charges, to be served concurrently. The sentence included three years’ probation, with Cure receiving credit for 272 days of time already served.

The burglary and criminal damage charges were dropped as part of the settlement.