Logan Pallister, accused of making threats against Helena Public Schools and possessing homemade bombs, was sentenced on Thursday to 60 years in the Montana State Prison.
Pallister pleaded guilty to one count of felony intimidation with a sentencing enhancement for crimes committed with a dangerous weapon, and two counts of sexual abuse of children — all felonies.
At sentencing, District Court Judge Chris Abbot said Pallister’s case involved some of the most extreme intimidation his court had ever seen.
Pallister was arrested at his residence on the morning of May 31, 2022, after Sierra Poynter, a coworker, contacted law enforcement saying Pallister was in possession of firearms and multiple bombs.
Poynter also said Pallister had the desire to commit a “Columbine-style” attack at a local high school. According to Poynter, he also threatened to kill her if she told anyone about the devices.
When police stopped Pallister they found eight firearms concealed on his person, nine more firearms in his car, four suspected pipe bombs, and an oil filter modified to work as a firearms silencer.
Poynter and her mother were at the sentencing hearing on Thursday. She encourages anyone who suspects those of intending harm to others to come forward.
“I’d like to have other people know to speak up about these kinds of things when they notice absolutely anything. Document it in any way possible that you can. Pay attention to details at all times. And if you ever feel like someone is in need of help, please reach out,” says Poynter.
The sentencing in state court follows a guilty plea in federal court for possession of an unregistered destructive device and possession of an unregistered silencer. Pallister will be required to register as a tier 2 sex offender.
(JUNE 3, 2024) Logan Pallister, accused of making threats against Helena Public Schools and possessing homemade bombs, was sentenced in federal court to seven and a half years in prison followed by three years of supervised release.
In January, Pallister pleaded guilty to possession of an unregistered destructive device and an unregistered silencer in federal court.
Police were advised of a possible school threat on the evening of Monday, May 30, 2022.
A person contacted law enforcement saying Pallister was allegedly in possession of firearms and numerous bombs.
The person stated Pallister allegedly had the desire to commit a “Columbine-style” attack at a local high school.
Pallister also allegedly threatened to kill the individual if the person told anyone about the devices.
Pallister was arrested at his residence on the morning of May 31, 2022, wearing a black trench coat and carrying a bag. He had eight loaded firearms concealed on his person according to court documents.
Law enforcement found eight firearms concealed on his person. A search warrant was served at Pallister’s car and residence.
During their search of his vehicle, officers found nine additional firearms, numerous rounds of ammunition, a Fram oil filter that appeared to have been modified to function as a homemade silencer and four suspected pipe bombs.
A Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives expert examined the pipe bombs, determined that they contained an explosive mixture that, when ignited, would result in an explosion, and concluded the four pipe bombs were destructive devices.
