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Christy-Lacounte sentenced to six years

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POLSON — A St. Ignatius man was committed at District Court in Polson Dec. 15 to the Montana Department of Corrections for a total of six years with none of that time suspended for a string of high-speed pursuits with law enforcement.

Shonko Christy-Lacounte, 24, pleaded guilty in District Court in Polson Aug. 11, to felony charges of criminal endangerment and theft.

The criminal endangerment charge stems from a pursuit with law enforcement in the Charlo area Jan. 30, 2020. Montana Highway Patrol Trooper Terry Rosenbaum had attempted to make a traffic stop on a small white car with no bumper, severe front-end damage and no front license plate. The pursuit lasted 29 minutes and forced eight other motorists to take evasive action before it crashed.

The theft charge was for stealing a 2001 Nissan Xterra from a relative in Charlo March 3 and spray painting it another color

As part of the plea agreement, the state agreed to dismiss without prejudice, two counts of theft involving vehicles, criminal possession of dangerous drugs, and criminal mischief, all felonies. The state could refile the charges if necessary.

District Judge James Manley gave Christy-Lacounte credit for 268 days jail time already served.

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