Vandalism Victims May Not See Reimbursement

Tools

By Gillette Vaira

BILLINGS - Jim Martens and his family had two vehicles damaged in December during the nearly two-week long vandalism spree in Billings. They had bought one of their vehicles the day before its windows were shot. A wallet was also stolen from their SUV.

"I don't feel safe, you know, as far as leaving anything outside or even, you know, anything at night," Martens said.

The Martens certainly aren't alone. Billings police said the vandals did an estimated $86,000 in damage to 244 people. Victims gathered for a meeting Thursday night with the county attorney and the police department. Authorities wanted to get the necessary paperwork signed and filed to aid in the investigation and to help prosecutors build their case. They have identified five teenage suspects in the case.

"You know, it was just, you know, identified through hard work with school resource officers in conjunction with the detective division," said Administrative Lieutenant Kevin Iffland. "The help of the public greatly assisted in, you know, identifying these individuals."

Victims had many questions, including what would happen to the suspects if found guilty, and if their parents or caregivers would be held liable for damages. Prosecutors said they couldn’t make any promises.

"I can't tell you that you're going to get every dime of what you're owed for your loss," said County Attorney Scott Twito. He also said Montana law caps parents' liability at $2,500.

Many left the meeting feeling like they have some answers, but it's still a tough pill to swallow. Some said there are things they'll never get back, like their sense of security.

"I keep an open ear at night nowadays. I wake up to the slightest sound," said Zachary Simenson. "It definitely worries me and makes me wonder if I chose the right neighborhood to live in."

"And whoever did this to me will come back on them," said Joy Onstott. "And I'm sorry to say but that's usually, what goes around comes around."

"I don't think really as far as the money goes with the way they were talking that we'll probably see anything," said Martens. "The only thing I really want is the kids to understand what they've done and that other kids in the future won't do something like this."

Police said the five suspects are not linked to any vandalism cases prior to December 22. They're being charged with felony criminal mischief in addition to other individual charges.

If you missed the meeting and have vandalism to report, contact the Billings Police Department at (406) 657-8460.

You have indicated this comment should be removed.

Close

The comment has been submitted for review. Thank you .

kma said on Sunday, Jan 29 at 11:55 AM

lets enforce mob rule

Anonymous said on Saturday, Jan 28 at 7:29 AM

i dont see any of these kids doing that much time or paying anything only the court costthey say that they will do time till 18 so the youngest will do more time than the oldest

kma said on Friday, Jan 27 at 9:01 PM

All i have to say if the judge lets these vandals off with a slap on the wrist then when the judge is up for re-election lets show them the door.We dont need judges that are affraid of doing the right thing.This judge better think before maqking a decision.We can also file a class action law suit against these teens and their parents that way they will be forced to repay or we start taking away what they own piece by piece which may not be much.

Jan said on Friday, Jan 27 at 5:44 PM

Let hope this is handled in such a way that these kids don't re-offend and other kids don't even attempt the same thing. The court's biggest mistake would be to let them off with a slap on the wrist and act like their hands are tied. I know too many parents who raise their children in just such a fashion. Lets hope the law doesn't make the same mistake. As Mike said, shouldn't the parents be responsible for $2500 PER INCIDENT?

Mike said on Friday, Jan 27 at 5:25 PM

Wouldn't it be $2500 PER Incident? Or are you telling me there is a Parent cap on their kids actions of 2500 for life?

kma said on Friday, Jan 27 at 3:59 PM

next time lead poisoning works great i prfer a 9mm that will stop this mess with these teens

Just saying said on Friday, Jan 27 at 1:34 PM

Blame global warming,George Bush,or any other reason,but don't blame the parents that had no idea where their kids were.

Winter said on Friday, Jan 27 at 12:37 PM

I raised my children to be respectful and in a alcohol and drug free home. they were never out in the neighbor hood breaking windows and harrasing women and elders.

Winter said on Friday, Jan 27 at 12:28 PM

There has to be a way to for the parents to help pay for the damages done by their children. Make them responsible. Here on the rez, there are some adults that still act like juvenles that break out windows and them lie to the cops. only cowards pick on elders AND WOMEN.

Anonymous said on Friday, Jan 27 at 11:56 AM

these kids have to pay for their actions. they knew what the hell they were doing.what great parents these kids have

cbb said on Friday, Jan 27 at 11:04 AM

Sure the parent's liability caps @ 2,500 dollars, but what about them getting jobs and having their wages garnished to pay for what they did? They should have to realize the hours of work that people spent paying for what they destroyed.

Anonymous said on Friday, Jan 27 at 1:24 AM

Oh these kids just need more love! And forgiveness let's show them how amazing our community is and let off with an apology of course! {insert sarcasm}

Tracey said on Friday, Jan 27 at 12:12 AM

This is so dumb! If those teenagers can drive around and cause $86,000 in damage, they can darn well get jobs and half of their paychecks can go into a fund to pay restitution! What will this teach them? Damage whatever you want, you won't have to pay for it!! This is beyond ridiculous! I know some teenagers that vandalized a couple of cabins and had to work to pay off their fines and pay the cabin owners back. I know one of the teenagers that had to pay, he didn't ever do something like that again. Pathetic!

Add a comment

Name:

Comment: 1000 Characters Left

KULR-8 News, Sports, Weather and its affiliated companies are not responsible for the content of comments posted or for anything arising out of use of the above comments or other interaction among the users. We reserve the right to screen, refuse to post, remove or edit user-generated content at any time and for any or no reason in our absolute and sole discretion without prior notice, although we have no duty to do so or to monitor any Public Forum.

Your Weather Authority

Current Temp 45.0 °F
Light Rain and Windy
Wind : West at
33.4 mph
Humidity : 66 %
Pressure : 29.30 in
More Weather

Party America Sky Cam

More Weather

On Demand

YouNews

This content requires the latest Adobe Flash Player and a browser with JavaScript enabled. Click here for a free download of the latest Adobe Flash Player.