The Kalispell man charged with causing about $48,000 in damage at a construction site last spring was ordered to pay restitution in October.  

Kalispell Police arrested Matthew James White, 24, on May 21, 2025 after the employee of a construction firm reported seeing unauthorized people using heavy machinery at a work site near the intersection of Northland and Four Mile drives. Prosecutors subsequently charged White with felony criminal mischief and misdemeanor unlawful transaction with children in Flathead County District Court. 

The latter charge stemmed from White's two underaged compatriots. White allegedly bought beer, cigarettes and nicotine pouches for the group prior to the destruction at the construction site.  

White maintained his innocence at his June 12 arraignment before Judge Paul Sullivan, but changed his tune by August. That month he took a deal that saw him agree to plead guilty to the felony count and pay restitution. 

In exchange, prosecutors committed to dropping the misdemeanor and recommend he receive a suspended three-year sentence with the state Department of Corrections.  

Sullivan stuck to the terms of the agreement at White's Oct. 30 sentencing. He gave White credit for 78 days of time served and ordered him to pay $30,765.80 in restitution. 

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