Rounsville guilty of stalking Bennett

D.J. Rounsville, 39, of Libby, pleaded guilty to one count of felony stalking on Monday for a leaving a threatening phone message on Lincoln County Commissioner candidate Jerry Bennett’s answering machine when a protective order was in place. 

When asked by District Court Judge James B. Wheelis about the phone call, Rounsville said he remembered making the call but didn’t remember what he said because he was drunk.

The phone message was left June 21.

Rounsville made the guilty plea as part of a plea agreement that dismissed a misdemeanor stalking charge and a misdemeanor for violating a protective order.

Rounsville is set to be sentenced on Dec. 5.

According to court documents, Rounsville threatened Bennett’s life and property on June 14.

Two voicemeails turned over to law enforcement included Rounsville allegedly telling Bennett that “there’s a price to be paid,” and that his house would be blown up.