'Magic' trick leads to guilty plea

A Hungry Horse man has pleaded guilty to an amended charge after a violent “magic” assault.

Dustin Abbey, 30, originally was charged with felony aggravated assault following the Jan. 23 incident, in which he asked a man if he wanted to see a magic trick, had the man hold a handkerchief over his face, and then struck him in the face multiple times.

The victim was transported to the North Valley Hospital for treatment of facial fractures.

Abbey pleaded guilty May 30 in Flathead District Court to an amended charge of felony criminal endangerment.

The charge carries a possible penalty of up to 10 years in prison and a fine of up to $50,000, compared to a maximum penalty of 20 years in prison and the same fine carried by the assault charge.

According to a court document, Abbey has been convicted of several felonies, including a 2009 conviction for aggravated assault of a law enforcement officer.

A sentencing hearing has been set for July 18.