New charges brought against Kendall

Prosecutors filed a slew of new charges against Jeremiah Kendall last week, all stemming from his brief stint on the lam in April.

Kendall, who pleaded guilty to escape earlier this month, now faces one count each of attempted burglary, theft of property exceeding $5,000 and tampering with or fabricating physical evidence, and two counts of burglary.

Kendall fled from house arrest after getting sentenced earlier this year in connection with a 2014 assault that left his then-girlfriend hospitalized. In quarantine at the time of his sentencing, Kendall was to turn himself in to start a two-decade bid with the Montana State Prison on April 9.

But two days before, authorities caught sight of him hopping onto a four-wheeler and fleeing into the wilderness near Libby Creek. A search effort launched in the following hours proved unsuccessful.

According to new court documents, on the day that Kendall failed to turn himself in, Lincoln County Sheriff’s Office deputies began investigating the theft of a 2009 Polaris Ranger, a side-by-side, from a Farm to Market Road property.

In an affidavit, Detective Brandon Holzer wrote that he contacted a confidential source aiding with the search for Kendall. The source took Holzer to the intersection of U.S. Highway 2 and Pearl Street, pointing out several run-down sheds. Kendall, the source told Holzer, allegedly hid the Polaris in one of the sheds.

After getting permission to perform a search from the property owner, Holzer found the Polaris in one of the structures, partially hidden by a piece of plywood. The side-by-side was loaded with diesel and firewood. Several blankets, allegedly stolen from a nearby camper, were left on the passenger seat.

On April 13, authorities investigated a possible attempted burglary. Although the court documents omit the address, investigators apparently deemed Kendall the likely suspect. They believed he spotted a camera near the rear door of the property as he approached the home.

Authorities accused Kendall of grabbing the camera and tossing it away from the home. They found no signs of entry, however, and there was no other property damage, court documents said.

Lincoln County Sheriff’s Office deputies ultimately located and arrested Kendall on April 16. Suspecting that his wife, Jennifer Kendall, remained in contact with him, they began tracking her vehicle. They came upon the Kendalls and a third individual, Fredrick Hersel, near Forest Road 6092.

Undersheriff Brad Dodson captured Jeremiah Kendall after a foot chase. He is currently being held in the Lincoln County Detention Center.

Jennifer Kendall and Fredrick Hersel face obstruction of justice charges in Lincoln County District Court. Both have entered not guilty pleas.

As for Jeremiah Kendall’s new charges, the two counts of burglary stem from him allegedly breaking into the shop to steal the Polaris and later hiding it away in a shed on private property. Burglary is punishable by up to 20 years in state prison and a $50,000 fine.

Theft of property exceeding $5,000, for allegedly stealing the Polaris, is punishable by 10 years behind bars and a $10,000 fine. By allegedly tossing the security camera, Kendall earned a tampering with or fabricating physical evidence charge. The felony carries a maximum punishment of 10 years behind bars and a $10,000 fine.

Attempted burglary, for approaching the home with the security camera, is punishable by up to 20 years behind bars and a $50,000 fine.