Panasuk Sentenced For Violating Probation
District Judge Benjamin Fosland sentenced John David Panasuk to 15 years in the Montana State Prison during a disposition hearing on Wednesday, Oct. 14, regarding Panasuk violating the terms on his probation.
None of the sentence is suspended, but Panasuk receives credit for 3,703 days served in either jail time or street time. That will leave about 4.8 years for Panasuk to still serve.
During the sentencing, Fosland said that Panasuk’s criminal history was part of his ruling. The judge noted that Panasuk had 13 years to improve.
“At some point of time, we need to realize what we’re doing is not working,” Fosland said.
The judge is hopeful that the Integrated Correctional Programming Model offender program will be beneficial for Panasuk.
“It will give you the best chance of rehabilitation long term,” Fosland said to Panasuk.
During the hearing, probation officer Nenva Hall noted that Panasuk has five prior felonies and three prior renovation violations. He is a violent and sexual offender. She admitted that he does well for short time periods. Hall feels that secured placement is needed for Panasuk.
During her closing arguments, defense attorney Shannon Sweeney said that when Hall is focused, he does well. She recommended that other options be considered for placement in a community setting. “There’s a lot of opportunities that haven’t been tried.”
County Attorney Thomas Bleicher urged the judge to go with Hall’s recommendation of 15 years with the Montana State Prison system.
In other hearing on Oct. 14, Patrick Justus Lally made not guilty pleas to the felony charges of assault of a peace officer and attempted assault of a peace officer. He also made not guilty pleas to obstructing a police officer and resisting arrest.
An omnibus hearing was scheduled for Nov. 24.
Cody Delane Sietsema made not guilty pleas to the felony charges of assault of a peace officer and criminal endangerment.
Sietsema also made not guilty pleas to the misdemeanor counts of obstructing a peace officer or other public servant, resisting arrest, fleeing from or eluding a peace officer and disorderly conduct.
An omnibus hearing was set for 9:30 a.m. on Dec. 16.
Chrystal Rose Red Wolf did not appear for her status hearing. County attorney Thomas Bleicher explained there is still an arrest warrant out for the defendant.
Red Wolf made not guilty pleas in June to the charges of criminal possession of dangerous drugs and six counts of criminal possession of drug paraphernalia. An omnibus hearing was set for Aug. 12.
During the June hearing, District Judge Benjamin Fosland agreed to change Red Wolf’s bond from $30,000 to being released on her own recognizance.
