Numerous Plaintiffs Enter Not Guilty Pleas

Nygaard

Paul Douglas Nygaard made not guilty pleas to two counts of criminal distribution of dangerous drugs by accountability in district court on Wednesday, Nov. 16.

An omnibus hearing was scheduled for Dec. 14. A trial was scheduled for Feb. 16, 2023.

District judge David J. Cybulski approved a condition of bail so that Nygaard can enter a treatment program if a bed becomes available. Attorney Terrence Toavs is representing Nygaard.

According to court documents, special agent Raul Figueroa determined that Nygaard was distributing, through dozens of transactions, fentanyl in Roosevelt County.

On March 10, 2022, Figueroa conducted a post Miranda-debrief of a minor with the consent of her parents. During this interview, consent was given for the Safe Trails Task Force to conduct a data extraction on their cellular device. During this extraction, Nygaard was identified as a fentanyl user and distributor within the exterior boundaries of the Fort Peck Indian Reservation.

On May 10, 2022, agent William Brew of the Drug Enforcement Agency received drug intelligence that Nygaard at the beginning of every month buys tons of fentanyl pills that are stamped to look like oxycontin and sells them. While extracting information from a different cellular device, several known fentanyl users and distributors were identified.

Dale Fowler

Dale Robert Fowler made not guilty pleas to the charges of criminal possession of dangerous drugs and criminal possession of drug paraphernalia.

An omnibus hearing was scheduled for Jan. 11, 2023. A trial was scheduled for March 16, 2023.

Donald Fowler

Donald Lee Fowler delivered not guilty pleas the charges of criminal possession of dangerous drugs and criminal possession of drug paraphernalia.

Public defender Hailey Forcella represented him for his arraignment, but another public defender will be assigned him for his omnibus hearing and trial.

Johnson

Otis Sherman Johnson made not guilty pleas to four drug-related felony charges. Johnson is facing the charges of criminal possession of dangerous drugs (fentanyl) with intent to distribute, criminal possession of dangerous drugs (meth) with intent to distribute, criminal possession of dangerous drugs (fentanyl) and criminal possession of dangerous drugs (meth).

An omnibus hearing was scheduled for Jan. 11, 2023, and a trial was scheduled for March 16, 2023.

Attorney Sally Kay Hickok sought to reduce Johnson’s bond amount from $250,000. She noted that Johnson has lived in the area for three years and has young children here.

County Attorney Frank Piocos argued that when Johnson had a train ticket when he was arrested. He noted that 300 Americans overdose daily from fentanyl.

Cybulski noted that fentanyl is serious and kept the bond amount at $250,000.

Walton

Monte Ray Walton was sentenced after admitting two violations of his probation. Walton admitted to be arrested in Dawson County and to being in the possession of firearms.

Based on a plea agreement, Walton was sentenced to eight years with the Department of Corrections with six of the years suspended.