Tool Thefts: Whitefish Couple Arrested in String of Tool Thefts

A Whitefish area couple has been charged with stealing more than $30,000 in tools from Flathead Valley construction sites and officials are looking into similar thefts dating back to 2005.

Flathead County Sheriff Mike Meehan said Kelly H. Hilbun, 47, and Terry Ann Hilbun, 46, have been connected to about 30 theft cases. Meehan says many of the tools have been returned to their owners.

Kelly Hilbun faces three counts of felony theft while Terry Hilbun faces one count of felony theft. Court records say investigators are checking to see if the Hilbuns are connected to multiple tool thefts dating back four years, with the victims' losses totaling over $100,000.

The case came to light after an alleged victim saw some of his tools for sale online, bought them to confirm they were his and then contacted the sheriff's office.

Prosecutors said a search of the Hilbun's house also discovered a meth lab. Both are charged with operating an unlawful clandestine laboratory, a felony.

The Hilbuns have not yet been arraigned.