Lake County District Court news for April 16, 2014
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Judge James A. Manley dealt with the following cases on Wednesday, April 9:
George Couture, Jr., 22, Pablo, pleaded not guilty to partner or family member assault, third or subsequent offense, a felony.
An omnibus hearing was set for May 28 with a jury trial beginning on July 14.
Deputy Lake County Attorney Jessica Cole-Hodgkinson said Couture currently was released on his own recognizance provided he wears a SCRAM bracelet. She indicated there was a report of a violation on April 6.
Bob Long, Couture’s attorney, argued for another week to investigate, and the Court granted a one-week continuance. Couture is to remain on SCRAM, but Judge Christopher warned him he was on thin ice.
William James Hoover, 56, Missoula, admitted driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs, fourth or subsequent offense, a felony. The Court makes its findings, accepted the plea and found Hoover guilty of the charge. Sentencing is set for May 14.
The charge stems from an Oct. 18, 2013, incident when an officer made a traffic stop on Hoover. As the officer approached Hoover’s vehicle, he accelerated to between 30 and 49 mph away from the officer, according to court records. Hoover crossed the center line and was unable to maintain one lane of travel, and the officer stopped him again.
A backup officer noticed the odor of an alcoholic beverage emanating from Hoover and that his eyes were glossy. Hoover was also swaying and having a hard time keeping his balance.
Court records say Hoover refused to provide a breath sample, but the officer applied for and received a search warrant for Hoover’s blood.
A sample taken by a Providence St. Joseph’s technician showed Hoover’s blood alcohol concentration was .167.
Hoover’s driving record shows eight prior convictions for driving under the influence of alcohol, according to court records.
Tyson William Clay, 26, Pablo, admitted criminal possession of dangerous drugs, a felony. The Court made its findings, accepted the plea and found Clay guilty.
The hearing originally was to show cause, but Clay’s attorney, Steve Eschenbacher, asked Judge Manley to convert the hearing to a change of plea.
Sentencing was set for May 14.
The charge stems from a November 2013 incident when two Lake County Sheriff’s Deputies observed a disabled vehicle on Highway 93 in Polson. They talked to Clay, who was with the vehicle. Clay told the deputies that the registered owner of the vehicle had been driving and left to get some gas.
Dispatch advised the deputies that both Clay and the registered owner of the vehicle had suspended licenses, and there was an active warrant for Clay.
Officers could not find the registered owner, and Clay admitted he had lied. One deputy arrested Clay and took him to the Lake County Detention Center, while the other officer remained with the vehicle until a tow truck arrived.
A witness approached the deputy waiting with the vehicle and said Clay had discarded something in the bushes. The deputy found a pack of Marlboro cigarettes, containing one prescription pill and part of another, which turned out to be Lortab.
Judge Deborah Kim Christopher dealt with the following cases on Thursday, April 10:
Douglas Whitewater, 24, pleaded guilty to possession of dangerous drugs, a felony. His urinalysis test on March 26 tested positive for methamphetamine, violating the conditions of his parole.
Whitewater originally received a deferred sentence for criminal possession of dangerous drugs, a felony, and Judge Christopher revoked that sentence.
The Court committed Whitewater to the Department of Corrections for five years, where he is to be screened for appropriate programs and treatment.
Shawn Whitworth, 18, Pablo, pleaded not guilty to criminal possession of dangerous drugs, a felony. An omnibus hearing was set for May 6, with a jury trial commencing on June 23.
