Gun Thief Changes Plea in District Court

A Sheridan man charged with multiple felonies for stealing guns changed his plea Thursday in Fourth Judicial District Court. Sheridan Media’s Ron Richter has the details.

In late March of this year, 18-year-old Gabrial Holcomb along with another adult male and four juveniles were arrested for allegedly breaking into a residence in Sheridan and stealing a number of firearms that included pistols, revolvers and rifles along with various ammunition. One adult female was cited for misdemeanor accessory after the fact. Holcomb was arrested and charged with two felonies, aggravated burglary and theft.

Holcomb, at a hearing Thursday in District Court entered a plea of guilty to the theft charge. The State, pursuant to terms of a plea agreement that was reached with the defendant, is recommending that the aggravated burglary charge be dismissed. The non-binding plea agreement also recommends a sentence of 3 to 5 years in prison for the theft charge, suspended in lieu of a six-month split sentence to be followed by three years of supervised probation.

District Court Judge Darci Phillips ordered that a presentence investigation be completed by Probation and Parole and scheduled the sentencing for October 3 at 9 am. Holcomb’s bond was revoked and he was remanded to the custody of the Sheridan County Detention Center pending sentencing.

Also from District Court Thursday:

A change of plea hearing was held for 39-year-old Joetta Hiwalker of Wyola, Montana. Hiwalker was arrested on March 4 of this year for allegedly attempting to steal merchandise from Walmart in Sheridan and then fleeing from law enforcement by climbing out a window of the patrol vehicle. Hiwalker was apprehended soon after at a nearby business and charged with felony theft and misdemeanor interference with a peace officer.

Pursuant to terms of a plea agreement reached with the State, Hiwalker pleaded guilty to an amended charge of misdemeanor theft. She also pleaded guilty to the interference charge. Hiwalker was sentenced to time served for the theft charge and 120 days, suspended in favor of one-year of unsupervised probation for the interference charge. Hiwalker was also ordered to pay $350 in court fees and assessments and $1,031 in restitution.