Lake County District Court news for Nov. 2, 2016
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Judge James A. Manley sentenced the following individuals Wednesday, Oct. 26:
James Douglas Lott, 42, Dixon, was sentenced to the Department of Corrections for six years, all suspended, for criminal possession of dangerous drugs with intent to distribute, a felony. A count of criminal possession of dangerous drugs was dismissed per the plea agreement, on conditions he complete a treatment program.
“Thank you for giving me the opportunity to change my life,” Lott told Judge Manley. “I am going to make the best of it, and I thank you very much.”
According to court documents, on June 8, 2014, Lott had methamphetamine in his backpack in Ronan.
Jefferson W. Bowden, 42, Ronan, was sentenced to DOC for five years, all suspended, for criminal endangerment, a felony. He was credited for 120 days served and ordered to pay restitution of $846.21. He was also ordered to have no contact with the victim, stay out of Lake County, and must complete aggression and control therapy. A misdemeanor count of unlawful restraint was dismissed.
“I wish this had never happened,” Bowden told Judge Manley. “It costs me half my life so far, and I’m tired.” Bowden thanked Manley for the opportunity to get treatment.
According to court documents, on July 5 Bowden got in a verbal argument with partner or family member, slammed the door shut when she tried to leave, pressing his arm against her throat until she thought she was going to die. He is a registered violent offender and he has victimized the same victim in the past.
Judge Deborah Kim Christopher sentenced the following people Thursday, Oct. 27:
Troy Wood, 52, Trenton, North Dakota, for driving under the influence of alcohol and drugs, fourth or subsequent offense, had the suspended portion of his five-year Department of Corrections commitment revoked, and the sentence was re-imposed with no time suspended. Wood will not receive credit for time lapsed on his suspended sentence because he did not work with probation, Judge Christopher said. Wood explained that he’s been a merchant seaman, single for 40 years, could come and go as he wanted and was not used to the restrictions of probation — so he ran. But, he’s been sober now for quite some time.
“I have gotten all the rehab I need. I could be a rehab counselor,” Wood told the judge.
According to court documents, on May 4, 2012, Wood was pulled over in Lake County. He was hiding an open bottle of Black Velvet whiskey behind his legs, and blew a .213 at jail. He had at least three prior DUI convictions.
“I work off impulse instead of thinking things out,” Wood said, to which Judge Christopher replied, “And alcohol works into that really effectively. Every time you did it you put everybody at risk.”
Derick Leon Tungwenuk, 40, Bigfork, was sentenced to DOC for five years, none suspended, for criminal endangerment, amended from a fourth or subsequent DUI. On Sept. 29 his five year suspended sentence was revoked when he admitted violating conditions of his parole by getting a DUI on June 22 after failing to obey a traffic signal in Flathead County.
The sentence offers Tungwenuk a chance to receive treatment, get tools to protect him and an opportunity for rehabilitation.
Courtney Carper, 25, Polson, admitted violating conditions of probation and parole by not living in a residence approved by probation officer, quit her job without permission, and used meth and prescription drugs without a prescription throughout her probation. The court found her guilty, and her 18-month deferred sentence was revoked.
Carper was sentenced to DOC for three years, and recommended for NEXUS/Corrections program. She was credited for time served while incarcerated, but not time served on the deferred sentence. “Take advantage of what they have to offer you,” Christopher said to Carper. “I am aware there are little people that have an interest in you getting this straightened out.”
