Woman pleads guilty to theft, drug charges

An 18-year-old woman admitted Thursday morning to multiple thefts, drug possession and criminal mischief in exchange for having multiple other charges dropped in accordance with a plea agreement with the state.

Montana Helen Kelly of Flathead County pleaded guilty in Flathead District Court to felony theft, possession of prescription drugs that were not hers and ramming a private gate while being pursued by police.

At least four other charges, including felony burglary and criminal endangerment, were dismissed.

According to court documents, Kelly allegedly robbed a home in Kalispell in May 2017, taking multiple firearms, two steel boxes containing various vehicle titles and a basketball autographed by Phil Jackson. Kelly was also allegedly found driving a stolen vehicle, which she reportedly used to flee from police in a high-speed chase. That chase, according to court records, ended with Kelly intentionally driving into a mechanical gate in an attempt to escape, cause thousands of dollars worth of damage.

In addition to her sentencing, set for Aug. 24, Kelly will be required to pay restitution to her victims.

Kelly faces up to 25 years in prison for the combined counts.

Reporter Mary Cloud Taylor can be reached at 758-4459 or mtaylor@dailyinterlake.com.