Court News

First Appearance:

Leonard L. Lytle, 24; entered not guilty plea on charges of 2nd degree theft of an access device (debit card), four counts of 2nd degree identity theft, and two counts of forgery; all seven of these charges are Class C felonies. He was also charged with four counts of 3rd degree theft and one count of use of drug paraphernalia, both gross misdemeanors. These crimes allegedly occurred in February and early March. Bond was reduced to $15,000 cash or surety.

Joshua J. Berdar, 23; charged with obtaining a legend (prescription) drug (oxycodone) by fraud, a Class B felony. Berdar will be formally arraigned April 15. He was released April 1 on a $10,000 personal recognizance bond, which means he did not have to put up any money for his release but will be held accountable for that $10,000 if he fails to comply with court orders.

Giovanny Blanco, 19; charged with attempting to elude a pursuing police vehicle, a Class C felony; reckless driving and two counts of reckless endangerment, all gross misdemeanors; and use of drug paraphernalia, a misdemeanor. Blanco was the driver during an alleged police chase through Columbia County into Walla Walla County early on the morning of April 1. See story this issue for more information.

Marc D. Nielsen, 58; entered not guilty plea on charge of 2nd degree assault, a Class B felony, for allegedly hitting another man with a baseball bat in February.

Sentencing:

Terry E. Riner, 45; sentenced to 24 months of community custody (released from jail with intensive supervision) following a guilty plea on charges of possession of a controlled substance (meth). Riner was ordered to seek chemical dependancy treatment as part of his Drug Offender Sentencing Alternative.

Trials Set:

Desiree D. Klein, 36; charged last month with possession of a controlled substance (methamphetamine) and three counts of endangerment with a controlled substance. Trial: June 10.

Jeremy D. Hulquist, 34; charged in August with three counts of 1st degree assault – domestic violence with a firearms enhancement. Trial: June 23.

Amanda L. Toms, 30; charged in November with attempting to elude a police officer, possession of a controlled substance (psilocin mushrooms), possession with intent to manufacture or deliver marijuana, driving while under the influence, 2nd degree criminal trespass, and contempt of court. Trial: May 21.

Joshua A. Roska, 33; charged in December with possession of a stolen firearm and three counts of possession of dangerous weapons. Trial: June 10.

Andrew J. Churchill, 43; charged in January with 1st degree attempted assault – domestic violence, 2nd degree assault strangulation – domestic violence, 4th degree assault – domestic violence, and threats to kill. Trial: May 13.

John G. Waltermire, 24; charged in March with resisting arrest, 2nd degree burglary, and possession of stolen property. Trial: June 10.

Other Legal Action:

Thomas D. Hutchens, Jr., 37; charged a year ago with failure to register as a sex offender. Defendant signed a plea agreement with the prosecutor’s office; the case has been continued for six months while Hutchens petitions to have the registration requirement removed from his record, at which time the prosecutor’s office has agreed to drop the charge.

Steven D. Peterson, 51; re-arraigned on a charge with amended language. Peterson pleaded not guilty to the charge of 2nd degree assault strangulation – domestic violence. He has already entered a not guilty plea to charges of violation of a domestic violence no contact order and tampering with a witness. His trial has been set for Aug. 12.

Monty N. Dunn, 50; charged in February with five counts of delivery of meth (and selling within 1,000 feet of school grounds), possession of meth, possession of legend (prescription) drugs without a prescription and endangerment with a controlled substance. Dunn is in receipt of a plea agreement from the prosecutor’s office but requested more time to consider and read all the deputy reports. New trial date will be set April 15.

Marshall Hernandez, 54; charged in January with arson, reckless burning, and possession of stolen property. Trial resetting will take place April 15.