GREAT FALLS (AP) – A British man who overstayed his visa and was found with a gun in Glacier National Park received a 14-month prison sentence.
A federal judge Thursday sentenced Kano Diebitsch, 32, for being an alien in possession of a firearm. He pleaded guilty last spring.
A snowplow operator on the park’s Going-to-the-Sun Road observed Diebitsch walking in Glacier on Nov. 24. Officials said the equipment operator contacted authorities because he did not think Diebitsch was prepared to be in avalanche country.
Park authorities questioned him and said that during a search Diebitsch began to put a hand in his coat, was asked what he was reaching for and replied, “A gun.” A .40 caliber pistol was removed from his jacket.
Authorities said Diebitsch told them earlier, in response to a question, that he had a knife but no gun. According to court records, his duffel bag held two knives, cigarettes, binoculars, food and documents showing he was from the United Kingdom.