Lake County District Court news for Jan. 18, 2017
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Judge James A. Manley sentenced the following person Wednesday, Jan. 11:
Shonko Christy-Lacounte, 19, was given two concurrent three-year deferred sentences for felony theft and felony criminal possession of dangerous drugs. A charge of possession of dangerous drugs was dismissed as part of a plea agreement.
According to a court document, Christy-Lacounte was found driving a stolen Arctic Cat 4-wheeler on July 16 in Elmo. He then wrecked the vehicle, which had a pouch containing syringes and a spoon with residue that later tested positive for methamphetamine. Christy-Lacounte was given credit for 53 days served in jail and ordered to pay restitution of $4,030 plus fines and fees
Judge Deborah Kim Christopher sentenced the following people Thursday, Jan. 12:
Tasheena Little Diaz, 33, Pablo, had her sentence for an amended charge of felony criminal possession of dangerous drugs deferred for 18 months and was credited a total of 60 days time served in jail and an in-patient treatment program. A pending case was dismissed.
Judge Christopher said the sentence gives Diaz a “significant opportunity” because it dismisses the pending case and gives her a chance to clear her record, yet requires Diaz to work on her issues during the 18 months.
“Most people get out of the system by virtue of education,” Judge Christopher told Diaz. “I want to make sure you figure out a way to change your life so you don’t come back to see me.”
Garrett Edward Vaska, 39, Polson, admitted that he’s currently on probation for a felony DUI and must follow conditions of probation, yet he failed to report twice in 2015. He also admitted drinking alcohol Jan. 8, 2016, and stopped attending his treatment program. This case was Vaska’s sixth DUI.
The court revoked Vaska’s suspended sentence and sentenced him to five years in the Department of Corrections and denied Vaska’s request to be released on his own recognizance.
“What has he done to earn the right to be out? Not a thing,” State Prosecutor Ben Anciaux argued against the decision to release Vaska. “The message is: you have serious alcohol problem you need to deal with and get on with your life, if you choose to do that.”
Vaska has another separate pending charge in Judge Manley’s court as well.
