Brown pleads guilty to gun theft

A St. Ignatius man admitted to breaking into an occupied residence to commit a theft. Gentry William Brown, 27, entered a plea of guilty in District Court in Polson May 1 to felony burglary.

The plea is part of an agreement that could dismiss a second count of burglary at sentencing. The agreement comes with a joint recommendation of 10 years with Montana Department of Corrections with eight years suspended, plus restitution. The judge is not bound by the agreement.

According to court records, on Jan. 11 a homeowner contacted law enforcement to report a possible burglary to his residence and said that 15 firearms were missing. He said surveillance video captured images of Brown directing a vehicle to park in an alley and then walking to and from his residence between 2 a.m. and 5:45 a.m. The homeowner said the surveillance showed Brown return that evening and enter his residence.

When interviewed by officers, Brown admitted to entering the residence without permission, but refused to identify any possible accomplice. Brown initially indicated that he gave the firearms away. Later he said he buried some and gave some away.

Brown further explained that he was upset with the homeowner, had done some work for him in the past, and knew the combination to the safe holding the guns.

Judge John A. Mercer set sentencing for June 19.