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Articles with the Tag: Lake County Jail

Commissioners consider putting new jail on ballot Commissioners consider putting new jail on ballot

POLSON – Lake County Commissioners are considering the development of a resolution to allow voters to decide whether a new jail should be built.   “We have gotten to a point where we have to do something, in my opinion,” said Commissioner Bill Barron. “We have reached a point ...

Snyder pays restitution in elder abuse case

In an elder exploitation case, a Lake County man had his imposition of sentencing deferred for three years and was ordered to pay restitution of $10,980 to the victim. Merlyn James Snyder, 37, pled guilty to exploitation of an older person in an earlier appearance at District Court in Polson. In exchange ...

Law enforcement makes multiple drug busts

LAKE COUNTY – Four unrelated drug busts in a 24-hour period kept the Lake County Sherriff’s Office extra busy last week.     The criminal activity started early on Monday, June 3, at 6:25 a.m. when 28-year-old Seth Williams, of Polson, was arrested in Ronan. Lake County Sheriff Don B...

Phone records lead to charges in Sanders County homicide Phone records lead to charges in Sanders County homicide

POLSON – A woman charged with the deliberate homicide of Matthew LaFriniere – in Thompson Falls almost a year ago – was arrested on the morning of Wednesday, March 20, in Polson.  Lake County Sheriff’s Office deputies arrested Danielle Jeanette Wood after receiving the arrest ...

Law enforcement officials speak on local drug activity, solutions Law enforcement officials speak on local drug activity, solutions

POLSON – Community members got answers last week to a wide range of questions on drug use in the county directly from those who enforce drug laws - from which drugs are used to what is being done to treat addiction.  The event featured a panel of officers from the Confederated Salish and Kooten...

Property manager gets eight years for theft Property manager gets eight years for theft

A former Polson property manager was committed in District Court at Polson on March 18 to a total of eight years with the Montana Department of Corrections on 16 counts of felony theft.  Douglas Dennis Lichte, 42, was also sentenced to a total of 100 days in the Lake County jail on three misdemeanor ...

Auld sent to prison for attempted robbery

An Elmo man, Peter James Auld, 31, was committed at District Court in Polson Jan. 23 to the state Department of Corrections for three years with one year suspended on an attempted robbery charge.  The sentence, handed down by Judge James Manley, followed the recommendation of a plea agreement reached...

Mental health considered for woman who started fires Mental health considered for woman who started fires

A woman accused of setting fires to the U. S. Post Office in Big Arm and other public facilities in Montana has been denied a bond reduction. Jennifer Len Alice Cassidy, 25, appeared before District Judge Deborah “Kim” Christopher in Polson for two counts of felony arson on Jan. 10. The hearin...

Attorney recommends Michel get 20 years for child assaultAttorney recommends Michel get 20 years for child assault Attorney recommends Michel get 20 years for child assaultAttorney recommends Michel get 20 years for child assault

A Ronan man who was initially charged with sexual assault is receiving a recommended sentence to Montana State Prison for 20 years on the amended charge of aggravated assault. Keith Lee Michel Jr., 28, entered into a plea agreement during an appearance at District Court in Polson on Jan. 2. Lake County Attor...

Lichte sits in jail while awaiting sentencing Lichte sits in jail while awaiting sentencing

A former Polson property manager, Douglas Dennis Lichte, 42, pleaded guilty at District Court in Polson on Jan. 3 to 16 felony and three misdemeanor charges of theft, according to charging documents. The plea came without the benefit of a plea agreement, meaning Lichte will be at the mercy of the judge at...


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