Suspected accomplice in two big crimes arrested

A man allegedly involved in two high profile crimes in 2014 appeared in court Thursday on two arrest warrants.

David Lee Armitage, 27, of Great Falls, is accused of playing a role in a property theft ring and a large-scale manhunt.

The first arrest warrant was for seven criminal counts including both felony and misdemeanor theft, felony burglary, criminal mischief and possession of drug paraphernalia. According to court documents, Armitage was a suspect in an ATV theft in September. Great Falls police investigators report finding nine stolen recreational vehicles worth more than $10,000 in a home where Armitage lived. The report says the stolen dirt bikes, four-wheelers and other vehicles were damaged with missing components and switched parts.

The police report says an officer spotted Robert Paliga and spoke to his wife, Sherri Paliga, who are involved in several pending theft and burglary cases. Armitage also told investigators the Paliga's and another man named Troy Laverdure were in the residence with him.

The warrant, which carries a $50,000 bond, contains a special provision forbidding Armitgae to associate with the above-named individuals.

The second arrest warrant is for an obstruction of justice charge and violation of release terms. Charging documents say Armitage was driving around parole absconder Robert Spearson as he alluded law enforcement during a manhunt in May that involved the GFPD High Risk Unit and a Department of Homeland Security Helicopter. The document says Armitage exchanged text messages with Spearson offering to pick him up and letting him know he had reached a meeting place.

The bond on the second warrant was $10,000 in addition to the other bond amount.