Lake County District Court news for Nov. 9, 2016
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Judge James A. Manley sentenced the following people Tuesday, Nov. 2:
Brett William Reum, 28, Polson, had his criminal possession of dangerous drugs sentence deferred for three years. He was credited for 367 days served.
“Reasons for the sentence are … it recognizes positive steps you have taken, and I hope you will continue on the positive road you have taken,” Manley told Reum.
According to court documents, on Jan. 7, 2014, Reum was detained on an unrelated matter, and a baggie a meth was found in his possession.
Steven Jay Richardson, 43, Butte, for felony criminal endangerment was sentenced to the Department of Corrections for five years with two suspended and credited for 93 days served. Additionally, Richardson was sentenced to Lake County Jail for 180 days with 179 suspended for a misdemeanor driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs. The sentences are to run concurrent to another 25-year sentence he is currently serving. A count of fleeing a peace officer was dismissed per the plea agreement.
“Is it true you had your first beer at age 4, and started drinking regularly at age 11?” Judge Manley asked Richardson, who said yes. “It appears all criminal history is related to alcohol use.”
Judge Manley noted Richardson was diagnosed with depression and anxiety disorder.
“Have you talked with people to understand that people sometimes drink to medicate themselves? Unless you (get treatment), we’ll see you over and over. You’ve got a lot of potential. It’s unfortunate if you continue this way the rest of your life,” Judge Manley said, to which Richardson replied, “yes, sir.”
The sentence provides for appropriate punishment and the opportunity for rehabilitation. The court recommends Richardson be screed for the WATCH program for pre-release.
“I certainly hope you take advantage of that,” Judge Manley said. “Although you failed at a previous program, most people fail before they get it right … Good luck.”
According to court documents, on July 31 a Ronan resident reported that Richardson was “going ape s---” on his doorstep. After Richardson drove away, a tribal officer located his car on Highway 93 near the intersection of Terrace Lake Road, but Richardson sped off in his vehicle after the officer pulled him over. Richardson turned onto Terrace Lake Road and drove more than 100 mph through the 45 mph speed zone, nearly hitting another patrol car. Officers employed stop sticks to stop Richardson, who blew a .140 on the preliminary breath test.
