Hileman receives suspended sentence

A Libby man facing his tenth driving under the influence charge received a suspended, five-year sentence in Lincoln County District Court on Dec. 7.

Thomas Hileman, 71, had pleaded guilty to a single count of driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs, fifth or subsequent offense, on Nov. 2. Initially pleading not guilty, Hileman struck a deal with prosecutors.

As part of his agreement, Hileman must enter the county’s new treatment court. He also must pay a $5,000 fine.

District Judge Matthew Cuffe described it as an “opportunity for treatment and help with alcohol addictions.” He called it an appropriate and just sentence.

Authorities initially also charged Hileman with driving without a license, careless driving and possession of an open alcoholic beverage in a motor vehicle.

Lincoln County Sheriff’s Office deputies arrested Hileman in July after he allegedly wedged his pickup truck into a guardrail near mile marker 10 of Pipe Creek Road. Arriving at the scene, Deputy Derek Breiland described spotting an empty beer bottle on the truck’s floorboard in an affidavit. Hileman told first responders the accident occurred after he swerved to avoid a deer.

Hileman allegedly admitted to Breiland that he had two beers at a Yaak-based bar. Breiland, though, noted that he could smell alcohol on Hileman’s breath and in the truck. Hileman suggested the odor originated with a beer he spilled during the crash, according to the affidavit.

At another point in the conversation, Hileman admitted to drinking four beers, court documents said.

Breiland wrote that Hileman failed several portions of the sobriety test. He ultimately cut the test short out of concern Hileman would injure himself.

During the course of the investigation, Breiland learned that Hileman lacked a driver’s license and had nine prior driving under the influence convictions.