an awaits sentencing for charges related to high-speed chase
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A St. Ignatius man has tentatively resolved four separate criminal cases against him by pleading guilty to charges from two of the cases as part of a deal that dismisses the other two.
Shonko Christy-Lacounte, 23, pled guilty at District Court in Polson on Aug. 11 to felony charges of criminal endangerment and theft.
The criminal endangerment charge stems from a pursuit with law enforcement in the Charlo area on Jan. 30, 2020. Montana Highway Patrol Trooper Terry Rosenbaum had attempted to make a traffic stop on a small white car with no bumper, front-end damage and no front license plate. The pursuit lasted 29 minutes and forced eight other motorists to take evasive action before ending in a crash.
The theft charge was for stealing a 2001 Nissan Xterra from a relative in Charlo on March 3.
The state agreed to dismiss without prejudice, two counts of theft involving vehicles, criminal possession of dangerous drugs and criminal mischief, all felonies. The state could refile the charges if necessary.
The charges being dismissed are part of an agreement that Judge James Manley is not bound by. Manley could sentence Christy-Lacounte to a maximum 13 years in the Montana State Prison. Sentencing is set for Sept. 29.
