Anaconda man pleads guilty to vehicle, firearm theft
courtesy photo
Randy Heppler
Hey savvy news reader! Thanks for choosing local.
You are now reading
1 of 3 free articles.
POLSON — An Anaconda man admitted to stealing a car that had several firearms in it. Randy Joel Heppler, 33, entered a plea of guilty in Polson District Court on March 6 to felony theft. He also pleaded guilty to an unrelated drug possession charge.
According to court records, On Dec. 5, 2022, a man reported his 1992 Chevy missing from his residence in Arlee. Several firearms were reported to have been in the Chevy when it disappeared. The Chevy was located the following day in Missoula, minus the firearms. The Chevy was reported as stolen again on Dec. 8, 2022. Law enforcement officers located the Chevy later that day traveling along U.S. Highway 93 and conducted a traffic stop. Heppler was identified as the driver.
In exchange for his guilty plea, a second theft charge is to be dismissed at sentencing. Judge Deborah “Kim” Christopher set a sentencing date of April 27. Heppler remains in the Lake County Jail with bail totaling $75,000.
