Sentence deferred for Bigfork burglar

A Kalispell man convicted in a string of Bigfork burglaries received a deferred sentence Nov. 13 in Flathead County District Court. 

Severin Gislason had pleaded guilty to burglary and deceptive practices, both felonies. 

He received a five-year deferred sentence for each charge, to run consecutively. A deferred sentence means that if Gislason does not break the law for the imposed five years, the charges will be dismissed. 

Gislason also was ordered to pay restitution to the victims, a fine of $2,000 and public defender fees. He must also write a letter to the victims within 30 days. 

Gislason broke into six Bigfork businesses on Feb. 19, stealing cash, a credit card and other items.  

According to court documents, Gislason and Shane Christensen burglarized Bigfork United Rentals, The Senior Center, Albiero Chiropractic, Waterstreet Co., Clayton’s Dentist Office and Nielsen Electric during the night Feb. 18. 

Flathead County Sheriff Chuck Curry said the credit card was used to put $5,000 into one of the men’s PayPal accounts and that they then used the card for an additional $3,000 to $4,000 in purchases.

Christensen has a court appearance Dec. 8.