Man to pay $8,000 for thefts

An Essex man pleaded guilty recently in Flathead County District Court to charges associated with a string of burglaries and thefts in Essex and Pinnacle in May 2015.

Originally Leif Ness was charged with seven counts of burglary and one count of theft, all felonies. These were amended to theft and accountability to burglary. The maximum possible sentence for the amended charges is 30 years in prison and a fine of $100,000.

In exchange for the guilty plea, Deputy Flathead County Attorney Alison Howard has recommended a suspended sentence of 10 years. In addition, the prosecutor recommends Ness pays any fines and fees as he is financially able to pay as well as restitution for the stolen items.

Tools, sports equipment, electronics, and food and liquor were stolen from several properties, according to court documents. The cost of the items as currently reported to the court is $8,220.61. However, Ness also agreed to pay for any restitution claims related to the burglaries that are reported in the future.

Ness was released from house arrest. He was represented by attorney Matthew Stevenson of Missoula.

Ness will be sentenced Aug. 4.