Three Montana Army National Guard members, flying a Black Hawk helicopter, are in hot water with both the Guard brass and the people of Sweet Grass County. Back on Sunday, May 4th, they were flying what was likely a training mission. Spotting some elk antlers on the ground along the foothills of the Crazy Mountains, they landed and picked-up the antlers…but neighbors saw them land and reported them to Sweetgrass County Sheriff Alan Ronneberg.
The property owners are hacked off. They say shed antlers can be worth thousands of dollars and they want the three charged with theft in addition of criminal trespass. Any theft charges would come from FWP.
Prosecutors identify the guardsmen as 30-year-old Michael Vincent Bray of Helena, 30-year-old Perry Wray Woodland of Great Falls and 36-year-old Deni Lynn Draper of Clancy. They’re due in Justice Court in Big Timber next Wednesday, May 28th.
Montana Army National Guard Adjutant Gen. Peter Hronek isn’t happy with his troops. Military charges are likely in addition to the Civilian charges, which if found guilty, could cost the men $500 each and subject them to up to six months in jail.
