Man gets 10 years for threats against cop

A man found guilty of making death threats against a Great Falls Police Officer and his pregnant wife during his arrest was sentenced to 10-years in prison Monday.

Gale Spottedbear, 50, was convicted of threats and other improper influence in an official matter, a felony, along with criminal trespassing and disorderly conduct, both misdemeanors after a one-day trial in December.

Spottedbear received the 10-year term for the felony count under a persistent felony offender designation, along with 6 months in the Cascade County Detention Center for the trespassing charge and 10 days for the disorderly conduct charge. Spottedbear was given credit for the 336 days he’s served since his arrest.

District Judge Greg Pinski noted that Spottedbear has been convicted of 91 crimes — 89 misdemeanors and two felonies — in his lifetime. Deputy County Attorney Amanda Lofink said during her sentencing recommendation that 36 of those convictions were for disorderly conduct and 30 were for criminal trespassing. The state recommended the 10-year prison term after reminding the court why Spottedbear was convicted.

Lofink said the incident started as disturbance at the Great Falls Wal-Mart, and ended with Spottedbear threating to kill Officer Mike Walker, Walker’s wife and his whole family. Spottedbear reportedly referred to Walker’s wife, who was pregnant at the time, as “fat,” claiming he’d seen the couple in public and near their home. Spottedbear’s other felony conviction was for assaulting the same officer back in 2010.

Spottedbear’s sister and niece testified on his behalf, telling Pinski the defendant was a great man when he was sober. They read letters written about Spottedbear’s positive qualities and contributions, saying hid bad behavior was the result of his drinking problem. They asked the judge to show leniency and recommend intensive treatment instead of prison time. Spottedbear also read a prepared statement, offering apologies to the state, the Walker family and his own family.

Lofink spoke on Walker’s behalf, though he and his wife attended the hearing. Lofink said Walker wanted Spottedbear to know that there would be consequences if he attempted to contact a member of the Walker family in the future.

Pinski explained his sentencing decision at the end of the hearing, noting that “incarceration may not work, [to treat Spottedbear’s alcoholism] but it will protect the community.”

“The crime he has committed has been minimized,” Pinski said of the statements made by the defense, Spottedbear’s supporters, and the defendant himself, likening some of Spottedbear’s behavior to stalking.

“The fact of the matter remains that for a good portion of his life he has been drunk,” Pinski said.

Reach Tribune Staff Writer Andrea Fisher-Nitschke at 791-6527 or Anitschke@greatfallstribune.com. Follow her on Twitter @GFTrib_Andrea and Facebook.