Men plead innocent to home invasion

The Daily Inter Lake

Two men have pleaded innocent to a home invasion last month in the Echo Lake area.

At their arraignments Thursday in Flathead County District Court, Charles William Hopkins, 44, and Mark Eric Rost, 44, entered not-guilty pleas to aggravated burglary and misdemeanor criminal mischief.

According to court documents, four intoxicated men - including Hopkins and Rost - broke into a home in the 800 block of LaBrant Road on March 22 and assaulted the two residents inside.

Hopkins, who was holding a gun, allegedly punched one of the residents in the face.

The four men, at least some of whom reportedly knew the residents, abruptly left after some yelling, prosecutors allege.

Hopkins and Rost were arrested in the Bigfork area shortly after the incident.

A conviction for aggravated burglary carries a maximum penalty of 40 years in prison and a $50,000 fine.

Hopkins and Rost are scheduled for trial in the June jury term.