A suspected shoplifter arrested after threatening employees of a big box retailer last year later received a suspended sentence and fine in Flathead County District Court.  

Dominic Austin Prichard, 32, picked up a felony robbery charge after allegedly trying to make off with $158.93 in unpurchased goods from a Hutton Ranch Road store about 7:35 a.m., June 19. When store personnel intercepted him, he allegedly pulled a thin black object from his pocket.  

"I have a switchblade," he allegedly told the employees.  

Prichard initially refuted the allegations but took a plea deal in August. Prosecutors agreed to amend the charges to misdemeanor counts of assault and theft in exchange for guilty pleas. Prichard was to stay off the store's property, per the agreement.  

Prosecutors also agreed to recommend that Prichard receive a suspended six-month jail sentence on the assault charge and pay a $100 fine for the theft charge.  

Judge Danni Coffman stuck to the terms of the deal at Prichard's Aug. 28, 2024, sentencing. She gave him credit for 70 days of time served.  

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