Man admits to threatening family with ax

Judge Molly Owen set a sentencing date of Dec. 18 for a Polson man accused of frightening his family with an ax. Nathaniel James Rogers, 29, pleaded guilty in District Court in Polson on Oct. 23 to felony criminal endangerment.

The plea was entered as part of a plea agreement that amended an assault with a weapon charge to criminal endangerment and dismisses misdemeanor charges of partner or family member assault and criminal mischief. The agreement calls for a joint recommendation of five years with the Montana Department of Corrections, with all five years suspended. The judge is not bound by the agreement.

According to court records, on May 24, a deputy with the Lake County Sheriff’s Office responded to a report of a domestic disturbance at an undisclosed residence. At the scene, the deputy spoke with the alleged victim, C.F. She stated that another female gave her a ride home and Rogers began chasing them in his truck.

When they arrived at the residence, Rogers began screaming and yelling at them and broke the handle on one of the vehicle’s doors. He then attempted to break the front passenger side window before retrieving an ax.

He stepped toward C.F. and stated “I’m going to f*** you up” in the presence of one of the couple’s children. C.F. also indicated that Rogers threatened to kill everyone the night before in front of both of their children.

Law enforcement later located Rogers driving his truck and detained him for questioning. An ax was located in the bed of the truck.

Rogers remains at liberty until sentencing.