Suspects charged after 50+ windows across Butte broken out with slingshots

Slingshots were allegedly the weapon of choice this past weekend when damaging the windows of nine Butte businesses late Friday night into early Saturday morning, along with the windows of at least 47 residences and vehicles.

Following an investigation, two men, Christopher Alan Hern, 27, and Laine Joseph Lowder, 18, along with a 20-year-old woman, McKinsey Jo Allen, appeared Monday afternoon in Butte Justice Court before Judge James Kilmer. Each was charged with criminal mischief — common scheme for allegedly breaking multiple windows out on vehicles, businesses and homes.

A 17-year-old juvenile female was cited separately.

The three adult defendants each face a maximum sentence of 10 years with the Department of Corrections and a fine of up $50,000. Bond for each defendant has been set at $25,000.

Prosecutors have also requested restitution.

According to Butte-Silver Bow Undersheriff Jeff Williams, his department received 56 reports. The nine businesses were located on Front Street and Harrison Avenue, while the 47 vehicles and homes hit were located throughout Butte.

Undersheriff Williams said the slingshots were reportedly equipped with quarter-inch metal balls used as projectiles.

A preliminary hearing for the three adult defendants has been scheduled for May 7.