Court News

Plea Changes:

-Benjamin Glen Smith, 34, Dayton; charged with rape of a child in the third degree, two counts of first-degree child molestation, two counts of second-degree child molestation, and two counts of third-degree child molestation. Court records state Smith did not want to go to trial and changed his plea to guilty on all counts, refusing the state’s offer for settlement. Following a pre-sentence investigation, he is scheduled to be sentenced on Sept. 6. Smith, a former Washington State Penitentiary correctional officer, is being held in Franklin County Jail because of concerns for his safety.

-Robert George Fitzpatrick, 60, Dayton; charged with assault in the second degree – strangulation. Case is continued to Aug. 23 for change of plea and sentencing.

Trials Set:

-Edward William Terry, 31, Dayton; charged with three counts of first degree assault with a deadly weapon, third degree assault of a law officer, harassment of a criminal justice participant, and resisting arrest in one case and with harassment – domestic violence and third degree malicious mischief – dometic violence in a second case. Trial for both cases is scheduled for Sept. 21-22.

-Scott E. Watkins, 38, Dayton. Charged with second degree arson, two counts of attempted residential burglary, and third degree malicious mischief; he is also charged with third degree assault – substantial pain in a second case. Watkins appeared telephonically from Washington State Prison. Trail in both cases is set for Sept. 7-8.

Continuances:

-Hector Vela, Jr., 55, charged with distribution of a controlled substance to a person under 18, delivery/manufacture with intent to deliver marijuana, and possession of over one ounce of usable marijuana. Appeared telephonically from Walla Walla County Jail. Trial dates were struck due to charges in Walla Walla. Case is continued to Aug. 23 to reset trial.

-Christopher Scott Robb, 50, Yakima; charged with theft of a motor vehicle. Robb is accused of taking a pickup without the owner’s permission or knowledge. He failed to appear for a second time. Case is continued to Aug. 23 when a bench warrant will be issued of Robb fails to appear.