Two arrested for Essex burglary, theft

Two men face charges of burglary in Essex and Pinnacle. A variety of items were stolen from the burglarized properties. The items, stolen May 16-18, included tools, sports equipment, electronics, and food and liquor with a combined value greater than $1,500 according to Flathead County court records.

"A lot of the victims have not given us itemized lists," said Flathead County Sheriff Chuck Curry. "It was a significant amount."

The two men, who were arrested shortly after the burglaries, are Leif Ness of Essex and Merlyn Roger Lee Marceau of Browning. Marceau has been at the Flathead County Detention Center since May 17 with a $50,000 bond. Ness was released May 21 under formal house arrest.

They are both charged with six counts of burglary and one count of theft. These counts are felonies and punishable by a maximum term in prison of 20 years and maximum fine of $50,000. They both recently pled not guilty.

A pretrial hearing on their cases is Aug. 26 at 1:30 p.m. and the jury trial is scheduled for October.