Hungry Horse man pleads guilty to lower list of charges

A 19-year-old Hungry Horse man was able to avoid several misdemeanor and felony charges after pleading guilty to a lesser list in Flathead County District Court.

Thomas Rupert originally was charged with felony burglary and accountability to assault with a weapon as well as misdemeanor obstructing a peace officer. Amended court documents were filed dropping the accountability and obstructing charges; Rupert pleaded guilty to the remaining felony burglary charge.

In a separate case, Rupert was charged with felony criminal possession of dangerous drugs and misdemeanor charges of criminal possession of drug paraphernalia, obstructing a peace officer and criminal destruction of or tampering with a communication device.

He pleaded guilty to felony criminal possession of dangerous drugs, and the remaining charges were dismissed.

Rupert now faces between four and 45 years in jail and a fine of up to $100,000.

Sentencing was scheduled for Feb. 23, 2012.