Two Sentenced During District Court Hearings
During District Court hearings on Wednesday, June 11, Jesus Avitia of Colorado was sentenced to two years in Montana State Prison, with no time suspended, for criminal possession of dangerous drugs by District Judge Benjamin Fosland. The sentence was based on a joint plea agreement.
Defense attorney RJ Dieken noted that Avitia has blue collar job skills, is a parent to a one-year-old and has a wife in Colorado.
Dieken also said Avitia experienced a troubling childhood that included starting using substances when he was only 10 years old and “forcibly” put in a gang when he was 13. Dieken noted the pre-sentencing investigation mentions that Avitia is starting to be a man instead of a gangster.
County Attorney Thomas Bleicher said parties went back-and-forth in conversations to agree on the right sentence.
Also during the District Court hearings, Bruce Shane Walter received a four-year deferred sentence and was fined $2,000 for criminal endangerment. The original charge was felony driving under the influence.
Both Bleicher and defense attorney Steven Thuesen remarked how Walter has taken positive steps during the last year.
“He seems to be turning himself around,” Bleicher said.
Thuesen noted that one year ago to the day, Walter was arrested for felony DUI. “Since one year today, Mr. Walter hasn’t consumed alcohol. He has put his best foot forward.”
Walter committed prior felonies, the last one being in 1998, but Bleicher was willing to make an exception regarding allowing a deferred sentence to an individual with multiple felonies.
There were three change of plea hearings conducted during the day.
Daniel Patrick Steudle changed his plea to guilty for the offense of criminal possession of dangerous drugs, meth. Judge Fosland ordered a pre-sentencing investigation.
Jeremy Lee Boysun changed his plea to guilty for criminal possession of dangerous drugs. Fosland ordered a pre-sentencing investigation.
Brian Ray Gustafson changed his plea to guilty for possession of dangerous drugs. Fosland ordered a pre-sentencing investigation.
Marlee Ann-Louise Schmitz made not guilty pleas to two misdemeanor charges of endangering the welfare of children. Maximum penalties are six months in the county jail and a $500 fine for each count.
In a petition to revoke hearing, Gy Salvevold denied two violations. A hearing was set for July 29.
In another petition to revoke hearing, Corby VanWhy was read his alleged violation. He didn’t make a plea because an attorney hasn’t been assigned the case yet. An admit/deny hearing was scheduled for June 24.
