KALISPELL, Mont. (AP) - A Montana commissioner accused of destroying trees at a public park is expected to plead guilty to a misdemeanor charge after reaching an agreement with state prosecutors.
The Flathead Beacon reports a plea agreement filed Monday recommends a six-month suspended sentence and $16,000 in fines for Flathead County Commissioner Phil Mitchell if he pleads guilty.
Mitchell was charged in August with felony criminal mischief after authorities found six dead trees in the park next to Mitchell’s home in Whitefish.
Mitchell declined to comment on the case.
Flathead County Sheriff Chuck Curry criticized the deal, saying it would appear that the commissioner is being let off easy because he’s a public official.
A spokesperson for Attorney General Tim Fox says the agreement held Mitchell responsible and was consistent with state law.
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Information from: Flathead Beacon, http://www.flatheadbeacon.com
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