Kalispell teen sentenced to probation for burglary spree

An 18-year-old Kalispell man received a probationary sentence on Wednesday for taking part in a string of burglaries on West Reserve Drive, including one incident in which he and an accomplice stole food from a family’s freezer, leaving them without anything to eat. 

Skyler Alexander Smith, 18, received a three-year deferred sentence for each of two counts of burglary he pleaded guilty to as part of a plea agreement in which two other counts of felony burglary were dismissed. The sentences will run concurrently. Prosecutor Stacy Boman had asked for two consecutive five-year deferred sentences in the case. Deferred sentences allow a defendant to be placed under the supervision of felony probation and parole. If the defendant successfully completes the terms of probation, the felony can be wiped from the convict’s records. It is an opportunity afforded for first and low-level felony offenses.

Smith admitted to being a part of a number of burglaries on West Reserve Drive during a two-week period leading up to May 26, along with Andrew Simpson Gilbert, 18, who is set to be sentenced on Dec. 22.

A victim of the crimes, John A. Massey, testified how much the burglaries had impacted his life. Massey, who hobbled to the witness stand with the help of a cane, said he is disabled and can’t work. He has an 18-year-old son and 8-year-old daughter that he has to feed on a fixed income.

Some items stolen from the home were recovered, such as his son’s scooter that is his primary mode of transportation. Other items weren’t returned and were essential, including food in the freezer.

“They emptied our freezer of those meals,” Massey said. “They took the food right off our table.”

While some families might have been able to recover what was lost with future income, Massey said he wasn’t able to because of his illness.

“We just had to do without until we got paid ... This was a real hurt on a real family that will continue to feel the pain and loss for a long time. It was a crappy thing to do,” Massey said.

Still, he said he was thankful for work done in the case by the Flathead County Attorney’s Office, Flathead County Sheriff’s Office and the Office of Probation.

Despite the hardship Massey said he was supportive of a probationary sentence, and said a trip to the state prison would likely only change Smith for the worse.

“I wholeheartedly support that recommendation,” Massey said. “People make mistakes, especially when they are young.”

Flathead District Court Judge Amy Eddy thanked Massey for his testimony.

“It’s rare for me to have a victim to come into court and testify in court as to the impact of the incident,” Eddy said.

The testimony is important, Eddy said, because sometimes the details of the impact aren’t reflected in the paperwork filed in a case.

Boman also said she was grateful for Massey’s statements.

“I think Mr. Massey’s words say way more about the impact of burglary than I ever could and I am appreciative he shared that today,” Boman said.

Smith will be required to pay a minimum of $150 a month to Massey in restitution. Gilbert will also be on the hook for restitution at his sentencing, according to the judge’s order.

Reporter Megan Strickland can be reached at 758-4459 or mstrickland@dailyinterlake.com.