Kalispell man admits burglary

A Kalispell man has pleaded guilty by way of Alford to felony burglary and agreed to pay restitution on two more related charges in exchange for those charges not being filed.

Charles Onthank Jr., 33, accepted conviction on the charge while maintaining his innocence by entering the plea Feb. 13 in Flathead District Court, stating through questioning by his attorney that he believed he would likely be found guilty if he went to trial.

Onthank burglarized a Rose Crossing home on Sept. 8, 2013, and fled after being confronted by a witness.

He was also charged with misdemeanor theft for allegedly stealing fishing poles, tackle boxes and a chain saw from two homes, but that charge was dismissed as part of a plea agreement. The plea agreement included a stipulation that Onthank pay restitution for the thefts, which he would not be charged for.

Onthank’s attorney requested he be released on his own recognizance pending his April 24 sentencing, but Flathead District Judge Heidi Ulbricht told the attorney a request must be made in writing so a separate bond reduction hearing could be held.

Flathead County Deputy Attorney Kenneth Park argued that Onthank should not be released as he “terrorized” the Rose Crossing neighborhood.

Onthank currently is incarcerated in the Flathead County Detention Center, where his bond is set at $20,000.