Lake County District Court news for May 25, 2016
Hey savvy news reader! Thanks for choosing local.
You are now reading
1 of 3 free articles.
Judge James A. Manley dealt with the following cases Wednesday, May 18:
Peter Joseph Lumpry, 29, Ravalli, had his criminal child endangerment sentence deferred for three years. Among reasons for the sentence cited by the court were that Lumpry has very little on his criminal record prior to September 2015 and the sentence gives him the opportunity to rehabilitate himself and remove the felony from his record.
“I respect the fact you’re working on your addiction problem in a responsible manner,” Judge Manley told Lumpry.
Kristopher Michael Lawson, 27, Pablo, was sentenced to the Department of Corrections for five years all suspended, for felony theft. A felony burglary offense and a misdemeanor criminal mischief offense were dismissed per the plea agreement. The sentence will run concurrent to a separate 2008 sentence.
Angel Xavier Catha, 19, Ronan, had his sentence for felony criminal mischief deferred for two years. For an amended misdemeanor assault charge, Catha was sentenced to six months in Lake County Jail, all suspended, to run concurrent with the deferred sentence. He was ordered to pay about $5,400 in restitution. Catha is set to move to Arizona to live with a grandmother, and was ordered to have no contact with the victim or her children.
“I hope you can appreciate how frightening this was for the victim,” Judge Manley told Catha. “You’re young, and you got a big break on this.” The victim was in favor of the sentence, according to Judge Manley, because it gives Catha a chance for rehabilitation.
Cavey Matt, 18, St. Ignatius, pleaded not guilty to sexual intercourse without consent, a felony, and sexual assault, a felony. An omnibus hearing is set for Sept. 7 and a jury trial is set to begin Oct. 17. The case may be transferred to juvenile court because Matt was under the age of 18 at the time of the alleged incident.
According to court documents, a 4-year-old child and a 6-year-old child were interviewed March 7 at First Step in Missoula and both made statements alleging that Matt had sexual contact with them.
Patty L. Walker, 56, Lakeside, pleaded not guilty to driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs, second offense, a misdemeanor. Walker also pleaded not guilty to criminal possession of dangerous drugs, a felony. An omnibus hearing is set for Sept. 7 and a jury trial is set to begin Oct. 17.
According to court documents, on April 17, the vehicle Walker was driving southbound on Highway 93 was reported as weaving and stopping. When she stopped, she consented to a search of her vehicle. Methamphetamine was allegedly found in a baggie behind the driver’s seat and she blew at .213 blood alcohol concentration on the preliminary breath test.
John Paul Montoya, 59, Arlee, in his arraignment pleaded guilty to driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs, fourth or subsequent offense, a felony. The court found him guilty and sentenced him to the Department of Corrections for 13 months plus five years suspended to receive treatment at an appropriate facility. This is Montoya’s seventh DUI, and his defense attorney said Montoya is ready to receive treatment for his addiction.
According to court documents, Montoya was reported as unresponsive behind the wheel of his vehicle, which was stopped but running in an Arlee parking lot. When law enforcement arrived, the engine was off and the keys were clipped to Montoya’s belt buckle. He also had an alcoholic beverage sitting between his legs.
Robert P. Chiefstick, 41, Polson, pleaded not guilty to criminal possession of dangerous drugs. An omnibus hearing is set for Sept. 7 and a jury trial is set to begin Oct. 17. Chiefstick was granted a 12-hour, GPS-monitored release on May 28 to attend his child’s graduation.
According to court documents, on April 5 Chiefstick’s vehicle was stopped in Polson for a traffic violation. The police officer smelled marijuana and Chiefstick handed a bag of marijuana to the officer. Chiefstick, who is on felony probation, then tried to run but was tased and arrested. A bag of meth was allegedly found in plain view on the driver’s seat.
Nicholas Stasso, 30, St. Ignatius, pleaded not guilty to criminal possession of dangerous drugs with intent to distribute and criminal possession of dangerous drugs, both felonies. An omnibus hearing is set for Sept. 7 and a jury trial is set to begin Oct. 17.
According to court documents, on April 11, 2015, a baggie containing 57 grams of marijuana, a scale, and other items including a meth pipe with meth residue were seized from Stasso’s vehicle when his was pulled over for driving 85 mph in a 70 mph zone on Highway 93.
Erik Michael Aguiluz, 29, city of residence unknown, in a change of plea pleaded guilty to an amended misdemeanor count of sexual assault and a misdemeanor count of obstructing a peace officer.
The court found him guilty of both offenses.
For obstructing a peace officer, Aguiluz was sentenced to Lake County Jail for six months with all suspended except seven days to be served on house arrest within 60 days. The sexual assault charge was deferred for six months. The state attorney noted that there was not probable cause to prove the alleged sexual intercourse took place.
Bernina Sunrise Vanmeter, 41, Ronan, in a change of plea admitted that she had methamphetamine in her possession on Sept. 30, 2015. The court found her guilty of criminal possession of dangerous drugs, a felony. Sentencing is set for July 13.
Jonathan Snyder, 36, Polson, in a change of plea admitted that on Nov. 30, 2015, he possessed meth that was recovered during a traffic stop in which he consented to a search of a backpack. Meth residue was found on certain items inside the backpack. The court found him guilty of criminal possession of dangerous drugs, a felony. Snyder was ordered to get a chemical dependency evaluation within five weeks and was released on his own recognizance. Sentencing is set for July 20.
Gage Daniel Stroop, 21, Missoula, in a change of plea admitted that on June 23, 2015, he was in possession of meth. The court found him guilty of criminal possession of dangerous drugs, a felony, and set sentencing for July 13.
Mary Denise Finley, 34, Polson, in a change of plea admitted that on Feb. 17 she operated a vehicle on a public roadway while under the influence of alcohol with someone under the age of 16 in the car with her. The court found her guilty of an amended misdemeanor charge driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs, first offense. She was sentenced to one year in Lake County Jail with all but 48 hours suspended, and ordered to pay a fine of $1,200 for the enhanced sentence with a person under 16 in the vehicle. The reason for the sentence is this is her first DUI and she has no felony convictions. The court ordered her SCRAM bracelet to be removed.
Michael Andrew Buck, 47, Ronan, denied allegations that he violated terms of probation. A hearing on merits is set for June 8.
Jose Andres Gonzalez, 24, St. Ignatius, in change of plea admitted he committed burglary, a felony. The court found him guilty. Sentencing is set for July 20.
Judge Deborah Kim Christopher dealt with the following cases Thursday, May 5:
Jerome T. Quequesah, 33, Ronan, had his revoked felony sentences for criminal endangerment and criminal possession of dangerous drugs both re-deferred for three years each. The sentences will run concurrently. He was credited for 44 days served.
Ronald Romas, 51, Arlee, for criminal possession of dangerous drugs, a felony, was sentenced to the Department of Corrections for five years with all suspended but 30 days, which will be served in Lake County Jail.
Edwin Andrew Hanson, 34, Polson, for driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs, a felony, was sentenced to the DOC for 13 months to be placed in appropriate treatment plus two years, all suspended, to run consecutive.
Vidal Joseph Castillo, 33, Wapato, Washington, was sentenced —with some reservation, according to court documents — to the DOC for five years with all suspended, for partner of family member assault, third or subsequent offense, a felony. Castillo was also sentenced to an additional five years for felony bail jumping, with no time suspended, to run consecutive to the first charge. In an amended judgment dated May 18, Castillo was credited for 150 days served.
Benito Martinez, 21, Covington, Washington, pleaded not guilty to criminal possession of dangerous drugs, a felony. An omnibus hearing is set for July 14 and a jury trial is set to start Sept. 26.
According to court documents, on Dec. 12, 2015, Martinez was allegedly found in possession of a bag of methamphetamine.
Gordon Larry Ahenakew, Jr., 17, Pablo, pleaded not guilty to partner or family member assault, third or subsequent offense, a felony. An omnibus hearing is set for Aug. 10 and a jury trial is set to start Sept. 19. He was released on his own recognizance May 16 with SCRAM monitoring, and ordered to have no contact with the victim.
According to court documents, on Feb. 27 a female approached Ahenakew about the possible theft of her mother’s television. He then allegedly punched the female in the face six times. When she reported the incident, she specifically detailed three other recent previous assaults by Ahenakew against her that had not yet been reported. Because Ahenakew has two prior domestic violence convictions in tribal court, he is being charged with a felony in Lake County District Court.
Patrick William Runsabove, 34, Ronan, pleaded not guilty to partner of family member assault, a felony. An omnibus hearing is set for July 14 and a jury trial is set to start Sept. 26.
According to court documents, on April 25 Runsabove, while intoxicated, allegedly verbally threatened to pound a woman’s face in, among other statements and physically threatening actions, while she was driving in a vehicle with Runsabove. She was scared and parked the vehicle and ran to report the incident. Runsabove is a registered violent offender who was convicted in 2012 of partner family member assault, third or subsequent offense.
Tricia Marie Quesada, 31, Ronan, pleaded not guilty to criminal possession of dangerous drugs, a felony. An omnibus hearing is set for July 14 and a jury trial is set to start Sept. 26.
According to court documents, Quesada was arrested Jan. 29 for shoplifting and meth was allegedly found in her possession.
Delsa Lynn Brown, 28, Pablo, in a change of plea admitted to possessing dangerous drugs. The court found her guilty of criminal possession of dangerous drugs, a felony. Sentencing is set for July 14.
Judge Christopher dealt with the following cases Thursday, May 19:
Steven Stump, 27, Ronan, had his felony burglary sentence deferred for ?? years with several conditions, including that he must write a letter of apology to the victim and get a chemical dependency evaluation and follow all recommendations. “You have to get out of that world or it will drag you back in, and you won’t be there for your child,” Judge Christopher told Stump.
Aaron Todd Williams, 30, Ronan, was set to be sentenced but his plea agreement was not accepted by the court after hearing testimony from the victim. While the defense attorney said Williams does great when he is on his meds, the state admitted the victim is terrified of Williams. Judge Christopher withdrew Williams’ guilty plea and will set a jury trial date, citing reasons that although the state and defense are in agreement, probation, the victim, and the court are “not on board.”
Karol Jean Fisher, 54, Pablo, had her felony criminal possession of dangerous drugs sentence deferred for two years. “You need to do this for you, but also you need to do this for (your daughter),” Judge Christopher told Fisher.
Allena H. Roberts, 32, Polson, pleaded not guilty to criminal mischief, a felony. An omnibus hearing is set for June 16 and a jury trial is set to start Aug. 22.
According to court documents, on April 4, 2015, Roberts allegedly used a rock to break out the tail lights and rear window of a female’s vehicle.
Keewyann Patricia Gardipe, unknown age/residence, pleaded not guilty to operation of non-commercial vehicle by person with alcohol concentration of 0.08 or more, a felony. An omnibus hearing is set for July 14 and a jury trial is set to start Sept. 26.
According to court documents, Gardipe was allegedly found passed out inside a locked, running, and in-gear vehicle in Ravalli. A blood test showed her blood alcohol concentration was .174. She has three prior DUI convictions.
Shayla Dawn Finley, unknown age/residence, pleaded not guilty to criminal possession of dangerous drugs, a felony. An omnibus hearing is set for Aug. 4 and a jury trial is set to start Oct. 24.
According to court documents, on Sept. 30, 2014, Finley allegedly fled when the car she was riding in was pulled over for speeding. She was later arrested on a warrant and baggie of meth was allegedly in her possession.
Tasheena Little Diaz, 32, Pablo, pleaded not guilty to criminal possession of dangerous drugs, a felony. An omnibus hearing is set for July 14 and a jury trial is set to start Sept. 26.
According to court documents, Diaz was arrested Sept. 24 during a probation search of the home where she was living. A metal tin that she allegedly claimed as hers had meth residue and hydrocodone residue on it.
David Charles Fisher, 25, Polson, pleaded not guilty to criminal possession of dangerous drugs, a felony. An omnibus hearing is set for Aug. 4 and a jury trial is set to start Oct. 24.
According to court documents, on March 29 a baggie of methamphetamine was allegedly found in Fisher’s hat brim.
David Jason Erickson, 41, Bigfork, changed his plea to “no contest” and admitted he caused bodily injury to a victim in June 2015. Erickson also pleaded guilty to violating an order of protection by speaking aloud to the victim while in justice court in June 2015. Two other counts were dismissed. The court found Erickson guilty of misdemeanor partner family member assault and deferred sentencing for one year and credited him with 10 days already served. The court also found Erickson guilty of a misdemeanor violation of order of protection, and sentenced him to Lake County Jail for six months, all suspended. The two sentences will run concurrently. Erickson must spend 40 hours in control/anger management counseling and neither Erickson nor the victim may have contact with each other.
Jisah Plante, 26, unknown residence, had her felony criminal possession of dangerous drugs sentence deferred for three years.
Raymond C. Nichols, 32, Elmo, in a change of plea admitted that on Jan. 19 he was driving with his partner and would not let her out of the car, stating that he didn’t want her and his baby walking out in the cold. The court found Nichols guilty of a misdemeanor count of unlawful restraint and sentenced him to six months in Lake County Jail, all suspended but 30 days, which can alternately be served as 60 days house arrest. He also admitted he took her phone away when she asked to get out of the car. He was found guilty of a misdemeanor count of tampering with a communication device and was sentenced to six months in Lake County Jail with all suspended, to run concurrent with the first sentence. He was ordered to complete 40 hours of control/anger management, among other conditions.
Cammie Lynn Dupuis, 29, Missoula, in a change of plea admitted that on July 24, 2015, she was in possession of meth. The court found her guilty of criminal possession of dangerous drugs, a felony, and set sentencing for July 21.
Kimberly L. Joseph, 44, Ronan, admitted that on Feb. 22 she was under the influence of alcohol while operating a vehicle on a public roadway in Lake County. The court found her guilty of driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs, fourth or subsequent offense, a felony. This was her second felony DUI, and the court revoked her suspended sentence in her first felony DUI and set sentencing for July 7.
Crystal Dawn Hunt, 29, St. Ignatius, in a change of plea admitted she had meth in her possession on March 15. The court found her guilty of criminal possession of dangerous drugs, a felony, and set sentencing for July 21.
Jennah Lynn Siegfried, 25, Polson, admitted violating four conditions of probation and had her suspended sentence for criminal possession of dangerous drugs revoked. Senteneced to DOC for two years, all suspended. The reason for the sentence was that Siegfried, who entered court with the help of a walker, suffered significant injury as a result of her violation and she understands what the mix of alcohol and drugs can do while operating a vehicle, according to the court.
“You’ve got to find help,” Judge Christopher told Siegfried. “Once you get into a vehicle, you become a weapon … it can’t happen again.” Siegfried is to be screened for placement into a treatment home in Missoula. According to court documents, in 2011 Siegfried drove to a Pablo grocery store while under the influence of marijuana, hydrocodone and Xanax.
Trevor Ross, 25, Dixon, admitted violating conditions of probation and had his three-year deferred sentence for criminal possession of dangerous drugs revoked. He was sentenced to the Department of Corrections for three years, with none suspended, to be screened for a treatment program.
