Defendants Make Not Guilty Pleas In District Court

Several defendants made not guilty pleas during adjudication hearings in district court on Wednesday, Dec. 14.

Matthew Lavelle Harris provided not guilty pleas to the charges of attempted escape, two felony criminal mischief charges and four charges for misdemeanor criminal mischief.

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

Thea Jo Michaelsen made not guilty pleas to criminal possession of dangerous drugs with intent to distribute meth, criminal possession of dangerous drugs (fentanyl), criminal possession of dangerous drugs (meth), a misdemeanor charge for possession of drug paraphernalia and 10 counts of cruelty to animals.

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

Arthur Lee Chapman pleaded not guilty to the charges of DUI, fourth or subsequent offense, not carrying proof of insurance and having expired registration. An omnibus hearing was set for Jan. 11, 2023, and a trial was scheduled for March 16, 2023.

Chapman sought a bail reduction from the $50,000 amount. It was noted that he has lived in Poplar for a long time and is employed. Roosevelt County Attorney Frank Piocos wanted to keep the bail amount at $50,000 because of public safety concerns. District Judge David Cybulski reduced bond to $1,000. Restrictions included being on house arrest except for going to work.

After Weldon Drew completed treatment, his sentence was reinstated to three years deferred by Cybulski.

Trevor Levi Crain was granted his request to have his attorney replaced with another public defender.