Whitefish man pleads guilty to felony burglary

A 29-year-old Whitefish man pleaded guilty Wednesday in Flathead District Court to felony counts of burglary and accountability to burglary for his participation in two burglaries in the valley.

In exchange for changing his plea on the two charges, additional felony charges against Jeffrey Weldele of theft and criminal possession of dangerous drugs were dropped. He now faces up to 40 years in jail and a fine of up to $100,000 when he is sentenced July 12.

One of the burglaries was of a Spring Hill Road home. Ashley Ekern and Aaron Zelenik have also pleaded guilty to charges related to that crime. A fourth person, Kandice Tellegen, also was charged for the crime but has pleaded not guilty.

The other burglary was of a home on North Ashley Lake Road. Ekern has pleaded guilty to her participation in that crime, while Nathan Bayreuther and Brandon Stanfield have thus far not changed their pleas of not guilty.