Man pleads guilty to vandalism spree

One of four people accused of a vandalism spree that damaged businesses and vehicles last year pleaded guilty Monday to felony criminal mischief.

James Barnhart, 20, is the first of the four to resolve the charges.

He testified Monday that on Sept. 23, 2004, he was with Dana Baese, Kristian Frost and Patrick Larson in Larson's car.

They had slingshots and pellet guns and planned to "go shoot some cans or whatever the next day."

Instead, Baese started firing pellets out the car window, Barnhart said, and so did he.

They shot 35 to 40 pellets, breaking windows at Wheaton's, in a couple of cars on First Street, at Glacier Gym, Big Mountain Toyota, and perhaps at Scarff Auto Center and Kari Dodge, Barnhart said.

He said his memory is vague.

Damages are estimated at more than $3,000, but the final figures aren't in, prosecuting Deputy County Attorney Dan Guzynski said.

He and defense attorney Glen Neier struck a plea agreement that would defer imposition of sentencing for three years.

If Barnhart has no more criminal trouble in that time and pays restitution to his victims, the crime would be cleared from his record. If he doesn't comply, he faces a sentence of up to 10 years in prison.

District Judge Kitty Curtis is not bound by that agreement. She will sentence Barnhart on Oct. 27.