Clinic vandalism suspect to change pleas

A Columbia Falls man accused of massive vandalism at a Kalispell medical clinic is set to change his pleas, according to court documents.

Zachary Jordan Klundt, 25, faces six felony charges in relation to a 2014 rampage through All Families Healthcare in Kalispell. He is charged with burglary, attempted burglary, criminal mischief and three counts of theft.

Sometime during the night of March 3, 2014, somebody broke into the clinic. There was extensive damage to the office and medical property as well as stolen files and medical equipment. The extent of the damage contributed to the eventual shuttering of the business.

Klundt pleaded not guilty to the six counts last July. In September, he was released from jail after three people contributed to post a property bond of $110,000 on behalf of Klundt.

Last month, Flathead District Judge Ted O. Lympus ordered additional discovery as both sides prepared for a potential trial. The court received updated documents related to property damage, insurance claims and other restitution information.

An omnibus hearing scheduled for Wednesday was canceled and Klundt’s attorney filed for a change-of-plea hearing. That is scheduled April 2.

Klundt could face cumulative penalties of 80 years and $300,000.

All Families Healthcare was a family practice clinic. The owner, Susan Cahill, said at the time that just 10 percent of her business consisted of abortions.

According to court documents, a receptionist arrived for work on the morning of March 4, 2014, and discovered that the glass next to the back door had been broken. 

Police arrived and found extensive damage to art, furniture and medical supplies. File cabinets had been broken and files were strewn all over. The sewer line, water heater and plumbing system were  damaged. In addition, a fire extinguisher had been sprayed throughout the building and iodine covered much of the office. Cash and medical files had been taken from the clinic.

Later that day, police responded to a report of a break-in at Bob’s Bail Bonds. An officer found Klundt a block away from Bob’s with a loaded handgun. He was carrying $915 in cash, had glass in his pocket and his hand was bleeding, according to court documents.

Police searched Klundt’s home and found several boxes of medical files and supplies. He was arrested and charged that week.

Cahill had just renovated the clinic prior to the break-in. Despite efforts to raise money to stay in business, she was forced to close the clinic.

Reporter Matt Hudson may be reached at 758-4459 or by email at mhudson@dailyinterlake.com.