A Dearborn-area man pleaded guilty on Monday to criminal endangerment, moving toward conclusion a case in which he and his wife were accused of abusing an adopted child.
A Dearborn-area man pleaded guilty on Monday to criminal endangerment, moving toward conclusion a case in which he and his wife were accused of abusing an adopted child.
On May 26, 2020, a 13-year-old boy reported to neighbors that Scott William Hilgers and Desta Ann Hilgers had subjected him to various types of physical abuse. The couple was arrested in June 2020.
Law enforcement charged Scott Hilgers with felony assault on a minor and Desta Hilgers with felony evidence tampering for reportedly covering up bruises on the child’s body.
At the time of her arrest, Desta Hilgers was a licensed counselor in the state of Montana and was working in the Great Falls Public Schools through a contract with Alluvion Health. Alluvion immediately placed her on administrative leave. According to Alluvion, she left their employ on July 17, 2020.
Scott Hilgers had a criminal history of financial crimes that stretched back to 1994. He served prison time off and on until October 2011. Despite his criminal record, Scott Hilgers was still eligible to foster and adopt multiple children under the regulations of the Montana Department of Public Health and Human Services.
In March, Desta Hilgers agreed to a 1-year deferred prosecution agreement. If she obeys the terms of the deferral, she will be eligible to have the charge dismissed.
During Monday’s hearing, Scott Hilgers pleaded guilty to the lesser charge of felony criminal endangerment, which carries a maximum sentence of 10 years in prison. The state recommended he receive three years with the Montana Department of Corrections with all time suspended. He will also be required to complete domestic violence counseling.
At the hearing, Scott Hilgers admitted to striking the boy with his open hand in a way that exceeded normal parental discipline and could have caused serious bodily injury. His attorney, Nathan Hoines, said he has cooperated with the Department of Family Services during the investigation. He said both Scott and Desta Hilgers have been receiving counseling since their arrests.
Scott Hilgers is set to be sentenced in December.
