Woman pleads not guilty to multiple charges

A defendant entered not guilty pleas in 20th District Judicial Court on Tuesday to four counts stemming from a March 24 crash on Highway 135. Julie Goodwin pleaded not guilty to theft, driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs, driving while license is suspended or revoked, and driving without a seat belt.

According to charging documents, Goodwin was taken to Clark Fork Valley Hospital in Plains after the crash, where she told a Montana Highway Patrol trooper that she was drunk, and the trooper noted that Goodwin did not remember the crash. In court Tuesday, Deputy County Attorney Amy Kenison said the victims in the case, whose car was allegedly taken by Goodwin, also lost their dog in the incident. Kenison said that the dog was in the vehicle and ran away after the wreck.

Also before Judge Deborah “Kim” Christopher on Tuesday, a mental health evaluation was ordered for a defendant who made his initial appearance. Brian Corntassel pleaded not guilty to a felony charge of threats and other improper influence in official and political matters and faces a maximum $50,000 fine or 10 years in prison.

Court documents allege that Corntassel left a threatening message on the Hot Springs Police Department answering machine on June 19 of this year.

Judge Christopher set bond for a defendant arrested on probation violations. “You can’t kept taking advantage of the opportunities given to you and not following through,” Judge Christopher told David Vulgamore.

Also Tuesday, Judge Christopher sentenced Jeremy Jones to five years with the Department of Corrections with three years suspended. Jones addressed the court, apologizing to the officer involved and the community, and stating that he has been in treatment for six months and working.

Jones’s attorney, Timothy Wenz, and County Attorney Robert Zimmerman had come to a plea agreement of having the entire sentence suspended. However, Judge Christopher noted that the law required a two-year mandatory minimum and sentenced according.

Patricia Day appeared in court Tuesday seeking a reduction in bail, which Judge Christopher denied. Day is being held on a felony criminal endangerment charge.