Accused tool thieves plead innocent

Thefts may top $100,000

A Whitefish-area couple has pleaded innocent to stealing more than $30,000 worth of tools from Flathead Valley construction sites in a theft spree that may reach as far back as 2005.

Kelly Howard Hilbun, 47, and Terri Ann Hilbun, 46, could be connected with more than 30 theft cases, according to investigators with the Flathead County Sheriff's Office.

During their arraignments Thursday in Flathead County District Court, Kelly Hilbun pleaded not guilty to three counts of felony theft and Terri Hilbun pleaded not guilty to one count of felony theft.

Sheriff's detectives and officers with the Northwest Montana Drug Task Force recovered hundreds of stolen items - including hand tools, power tools, construction equipment, electronics and copper wire - while serving a search warrant last month on the Hilbuns' home in the 400 block of Antelope Trail in Happy Valley.

Investigators applied for the search warrant after an alleged victim saw some of his tools for sale online, bought them to confirm they were his, and then contacted the Sheriff's Office.

The Hilbuns later were discovered to have numerous accounts with a popular online auction site.

The Hilbuns may be responsible for hundreds of tool thefts in the past several years with victims' losses totaling more than $100,000, according to court documents.

While serving the search warrant, detectives also discovered a methamphetamine lab and a small amount of the finished drug.

In addition to the theft allegations, prosecutors have charged the Hilbuns with operating an unlawful clandestine laboratory and drug possession, both felonies. The couple also pleaded not guilty Thursday to the drug charges.

Both Kelly Hilbun, who is incarcerated at the Flathead County Detention Center, and Terri Hilbun, who posted bond, are scheduled for trial in the jury term to start at the end of October.

Reporter Nicholas Ledden can be reached at 758-4441 or by e-mail at nledden@dailyinterlake.com