Man pleads guilty to coin and gun thefts

A 25-year-old Kalispell man pleaded guilty Thursday in Flathead District Court to a series of theft charges.

Kenny Howell originally was charged with one count of felony theft in each of two cases and felony robbery in a third, but pleaded to a lesser charge of misdemeanor theft in the third case.

He now faces up to 30 years in prison and a fine of up to $150,000 as well as any required restitution.

On April 28, Howell was found with 14 silver dollars, numerous coins, two gold pocket watches and a gold tri-fold pendant that had been stolen from a trading post. He admitted to a detective that he had obtained the coins in exchange for drugs.

On May 28, a burglary victim reported several items of jewelry and silverware had been stolen from his home between February and May and suspected Howell since he was the only person who had been inside the home besides close family.

Investigating officers found a coin missing from the residence at a pawn shop and tracked it to Howell through a pawn slip.

On the phone with a detective, Howell was very quiet and emotional, saying he did not have any of the property, but would see what he could do to get it back.

On Sept. 8, Howell was detained by several people at the Flathead County Fairgrounds after trying to steal a gun from a display table during a gun show. Officers had to carry Howell from the Expo Building before removing the gun from his underwear.

Howell’s sentencing is scheduled for Jan. 13.

Reporter Jesse Davis may be reached at 758-4441 or by email at jdavis@dailyinterlake.com.