Thorstenson pleads guilty to burglary

Jeremy Charles Thorstenson pleaded guilty to a single count of burglary for breaking into a Lakeshore Drive summer home earlier in the year as part of an agreement with prosecutors.

Thorstenson, 35, changed his plea in Lincoln County District Court on Dec. 30. Prosecutors dropped a felony theft charge as part of the agreement.

Authorities in Missoula County arrested Thorstenson on Nov. 15. According to court documents, Thorstenson admitted to entering the cabin earlier in the year and to stealing the owner’s truck with a female companion.

The pair “had plans to make it to Mexico,” court documents said.

Authorities learned of the break-in after a state game warden came across the abandoned stolen truck near Clinton. Tracking down the owner in Lincoln County, they then discovered the burglary.

A bag containing a Montana state ID with Thorstenson’s identifying information was found inside a black backpack left with the abandoned truck along with other evidence, court documents said.

Authorities were unable to track down the woman accompanying Thorstenson.

As part of the plea agreement, prosecutors are recommending Thorstenson receive a 10-year sentence in state prison. A felony burglary charge can carry a maximum penalty of 20-years behind bars and a $50,000 fine.

A sentencing hearing is scheduled for Jan. 27.