SENTENCING FOR THREE GIBSON FLATS FIRE DEFENDANTS DELAYED AGAIN.

The sentencing of the three men involved in the Gibson Flats Fire that destroyed a dozen homes a year ago has been delayed again.  The latest delay comes after Judge John kutzman granted a last minute  delay yesterday after One of the defense attorneys balked at the amount of restitution to be paid.

All three defendants have pleaded guilty to various charges in the case.  They are Brandon Bennett, Jevin Mclean  and Galvin Munson.  All pictured below.

County Attorney Josh Racki tells us that one of the defense attorneys had questions about the amount of restitution to be paid to the victims, reportedly around $1,500,000. And the delay was granted by Judge Kutzman less than 24-hours before the scheduled sentence which was suppose to be Today (1/6/23).  No word on a new date for sentencing.

Racki also tells us that at least 40 witnesses were scheduled to testify at the sentencing and all had to be told there was yet another delay.  The three were originally scheduled to be sentenced last November but a delay was granted then to get more victim impact statements.

The three defendants told authorities they were out smoking pot and shooting off fireworks the morning of December 1st, 2021.  Some of the fireworks were shot off in the Gibson Flats area south of Great Falls  during wind gusts that topped 50 miles per hour and that sparked a huge fire that destroyed a dozen homes,  vehicles,  garages and other buildings.  Nobody was injured but several residents did say they lost pets due to the quick moving fire.