A Columbia Falls man who pleaded guilty last year to charges stemming from breaking into his ex's home later received a suspended sentence in Flathead County District Court.  

David James Bollman, 30, struck a deal with prosecutors that saw him plead guilty by way of an Alford plea to one count of felony criminal endangerment in February 2024. He also admitted to violating the conditions of his probation on a previous felony theft and drug possession conviction.  

In an Alford plea, a defendant maintains their innocence, but acknowledges a jury would likely find them guilty.  

In exchange for the admission and guilty plea, prosecutors agreed to recommend Bollman serve a five-year sentence with the state Department of Corrections and receive another five years on the probation violation. The two sentences were to run consecutively. Judge Amy Eddy, who presided over the case, handed down the five-year suspended sentence on the criminal endangerment charge on April 18, 2024. She also gave Bollman credit for 198 days of time served.  

Authorities began investigating Bollman in March 2023 after his ex accused him of breaking into her Columbia Falls home, according to court documents. Neighbors told Flathead County Sheriff's Office deputies that they saw Bollman enter the home and leave through a window, court documents said.  

The victim told investigators that Bollman had sent her a series of threatening text messages, including one wherein he allegedly threatened to stab her. He also allegedly pulled a knife on her in a separate incident in late May 2023. 

News Editor Derrick Perkins can be reached at 758-4430 or [email protected].