Not guilty plea in Heron shooting

A Heron man pleaded not guilty to charges filed against him on Tuesday. Michel Dulaney appeared in 20th Ditrict Judicial Court, facing three counts of assault with a weapon.

According to witnesses, on July 11 Dulaney fired a weapon at his neighbor, Edgar Torrey. Torrey was shot in the back and fell to the ground. Two men that were with Torrey returned fire at Dulaney, who took cover in his home. Dulaney’s attorney Mathew Stevenson requested that Dulaney’s bail be reduced to a level closer to what is believed he could afford. Stevenson asked that bond be reduced from $250,000 to $10,000. The defense disagreed and requested that bond in fact be increased to $500,000. The defense called several witnesses to the stand, including Torrey, who was in a wheelchair. They testified that Dulaney had them in fear for their lives and Judge Deborah "Kim" Christopher denied the request to change Dulaney's bond. His trial is set for Feb. 1.

Also to appear on Tuesday, via video call, was Daniel Davis, who pleaded guilty to charges of criminal possession of dangerous drugs and criminal possession of dangerous drugs with intent to distribute. He was sentenced to 25 years with the Montana Department of Corrections, with 20 suspended and 218 days served. Davis had a distinguished military career and the judge took this into account, as it is believed that he turned to drugs after a possible brain injury and PTSD during his service.

Dalton McFarland, from Hot Springs, appeared via video as well. He is being charged with aggravated assault, endangering the welfare of children, two counts of assault of a family member and criminal possession of drug paraphernalia. McFarland pleaded guilty to assault of a family member and to endangering the welfare of children. His sentencing will be held on Sept. 15.

Anthony Waller of Thompson Falls pleaded guilty to the charge of driving under the influence. His sentencing will also be Sept. 15.