A Kalispell man accused of burglarizing the South Kalispell Fire Department has denied a pair of charges against him.

Lawrence Cowgill, 41, is charged in Flathead District Court with felony counts of burglary and theft after allegedly breaking into the department building March 27 and stealing a turnout coat, weather gear, a flashlight, radios, pagers, a siren, a portable radio and a headlamp.

According to a court document, Cowgill was located by a Flathead County deputy who recognized him from security footage from the burglary. Cowgill allegedly confessed to the burglary and taking the items he thought he could pawn.

He also allegedly admitted and a court document confirms that he was released from the Montana State Prison on pre-release — a transition center moving inmates from prison into the community — just three weeks prior to the charges being filed.

Cowgill was convicted in 1997 of a pair of felony burglary charges and given a 15-year suspended sentence. In 1999, Cowgill violated his sentence and it was re-suspended in its entirety, in effect starting his sentence over.

His sentence was revoked in 2001 “as a result of his failure to remain law abiding or complete Intensive Supervised Probation” according to a sentencing document.

Cowgill’s sentence was revoked yet again in 2004, when he pleaded guilty to felony driving under the influence.

The combination of his third revocation and the new conviction brought Cowgill a total sentence, handed down in 2005, of 10 years in the Montana State Prison and an additional five years, suspended.

Cowgill was released early and violated his sentence in 2010 “by failing to obtain permission prior to changing jobs, attempting to purchase alcohol, and consuming intoxicants” according to one court document.

On June 17, 2010, Cowgill was sentenced to 10 years in the Montana State Prison and an additional five years, suspended.

If convicted of the new charges, Cowgill faces up to 30 years in prison and a fine of up to $100,000, as well as any restitution and the possible fifth revocation of his prior sentence.

He is currently incarcerated in the Flathead County Detention Center, where his bond is set at $50,000. His next hearing is set for May 8.