Cory Robert Franklin in custody after Polson ATM theft

BY MICHELLE LOVATO

Lake County Leader

One suspect is in custody for his possible connection to a theft of an ATM machine Jan. 30.

Cory Robert Franklin was arrested in Flathead County and is being held at Flathead County Detention Center on an unrelated charge, according to Flathead County Sheriff Chuck Curry.

Franklin was arrested after detectives from the Polson Police Department, Flathead County Sheriff’s Department, Whitefish Police Department, agents from the Mission Valley and Northwest Drug Task Force and the FBI executed search warrants in Flathead County,  according to Polson Police Assistant Chief John A. Stevens. At the time of his arrest, the suspect was in possession of a stolen truck and might be involved in other related offenses, officials said. 

Curry said authorities may charge the suspect in Flathead County.

Stevens said Lake County expects to press charges as well.

On Jan. 30, surveillance photos at Community Bank show what looks like two men approaching the Community Bank ATM moments before it was stolen. 

Law enforcement was alerted to the after a Polson Community Bank intrusion alarm sounded.

Authorities did not say how much money was in the ATM at the time of its theft.

The ATM was later located on Montana Highway 28.