A Kalispell man arrested for allegedly robbing a panhandler with a machete last summer later received a partially suspended sentence in Flathead County District Court.

Prosecutors initially brought up Michael Robert Hughley, 54, on felony counts of assault with a weapon and robbery following the alleged July 17, 2024 shakedown at the intersection of Woodland Park Drive and U.S. 2 East. Though Hughley maintained his innocence at his arraignment in August of that year, he struck a plea deal with prosecutors that November.

In exchange for a guilty plea, prosecutors agreed to amend the assault with a weapon charge to felony criminal endangerment and drop the robbery charge. As per the agreement, they would recommend Hughley receive five-year sentence with the state Department of Corrections

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