Polebridge arson case is pending

The case of the Polebridge man charged with setting fire to a neighbor's yurt and outhouse in September 2010 is still pending in Flathead County District Court.

Kent Johnson initially faced a felony arson charge, with a maximum sentence of 20 years and a $50,000 fine, and a misdemeanor assault charge, with a maximum sentence of six months and a $500 fine.

According to court documents, Johnson admitted setting fire to the yurt and outhouse when questioned by Flathead County Det. Pat Walsh. The damage was estimated at $30,000.

According to a plea agreement worked out with the county attorney's office last year, Johnson would receive a two-year deferred sentence for the felony and misdemeanor charges if he agreed to sell his house and land in Polebridge and move out of Montana within six months of the plea agreement being granted by a judge.

On Jan. 4, Johnson's public defender, Nick Aemisegger, requested a continuance, saying the sale of Johnson's Polebridge property was taking longer than expected. Aemisegger said a buy-sell agreement was pending.

Flathead County District Court Judge Katherine Curtis ordered an omnibus hearing in the matter to be held April 11.