Two arrested in farm vandalism case

Authorities announced that two people have been arrested in connection with a string of vandalism incidents in Blaine and Chouteau counties that caused hundreds of thousands of dollars of damage and is likely linked to the shooting of one or more deer, all occurring late Aug. 17 or early Aug. 18.

Jasper Wendland, 19, and Devon Nelson, 18, both were served warrants out of both Blaine and Chouteau counties, Blaine County Sheriff John Colby said in a release this afternoon.

Colby said each was charged with multiple felonies and misdemeanors for the incidents in Blaine County.

Blaine County Sheriff's Office responded to a vandalism call in south Blaine County Aug. 18. During the investigation, it became apparent that the Blaine County vandalism case was attached to another vandalism case in Chouteau County, and a poaching case being investigated by Montana Fish, Wildlife and Parks.

Colby said Aug. 31 suspects had been identified but the investigation was ongoing.

Colby in the release this afternoon thanked Chouteau County Sheriff's Office, Fish, Wildlife and Parks, Blaine County Attorney's Office, Chouteau County Attorney's Office, The Tri-Agency Task Force, HIll County Sheriff's Office, Havre Police Department and Beaver Creek Park administration who all "worked quickly and effectively to bring this incident to a close," adding that he thanked the victims and the community for their patience while the investigation was completed.

Watch for more in Friday's edition of Havre Daily News.