Teen pleads not guilty to series of burglaries

A teen has denied taking part in a burglary spree in the West Reserve Drive area earlier this year.

In Flathead District Court on Thursday, Andrew Simpson Gilbert, 18, pleaded not guilty to four felony counts of burglary.

Gilbert’s co-defendant, Skyler Alexander Smith, 18, had already pleaded not guilty. The pair are set to go to trial Oct. 31.

According to court documents, Gilbert and Smith were spotted riding bicycles at 3:30 a.m. in the West Reserve Drive area on May 26.

 The deputy offered to give the young men a ride and when they arrived at the home, they allegedly consented to a search of the residence.

Authorities found loot from four burglaries from the previous two weeks, including many tools and other shop-type items.

Flathead County Sheriff Chuck Curry noted that the amount of stolen property was significant and that it was difficult to determine exactly how many burglaries might have been involved in the case.

Gilbert also is the defendant in a felony theft case in Youth Court. Gilbert is accused of stealing an all-terrain vehicle on March 30, when he was still a minor.

The four-wheeler was found April 8 in Kalispell. Gilbert’s father allegedly said he had seen the teen riding the four-wheeler.

If Gilbert or Smith are convicted, each count of burglary carries a sentence of up to 20 years in Montana State Prison and a $50,000 fine. '

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