Not guilty plea to assault charges

In 20th District Judicial Court on Tuesday, Kurt Lamarr of Hot Springs pleaded not guilty to charges of assault with a weapon and aggravated assault.

According to charging documents, Lamarr had been threatening the alleged victim for some time. On November 16 just outside Hot Springs, a witness saw a white Honda vehicle ram into a truck at an intersection. Witnesses reported the driver of the Honda proceed to get out, approach the truck and begin striking the driver with a rock. The aggressor, identified as Lamarr, was arrested by police. Judge Deborah "Kim" Christopher set Lamarr’s trial for May 3, 2021.

Bailey Lake appeared before the court Tuesday as well, for his sentencing. He accepted a plea agreement and was given a deffered two-year sentence with the Department of Corrections.

Lake was staying at in Sanders County when the homeowner discovered what she believed to be drugs and drug paraphernalia in his room. She contacted the police and the substances found tested positive for methamphetamine. Lake was arrested.

As part of his plea agreement, Lake must seek help for his addiction. During his sentencing, Lake asked to keep his medical marijuana card so that he could retain using that instead of prescription drugs for PTSD and other anxiety disorders. He claimed in court that these are more addictive, and he would prefer using something less addictive for the same, or similar, treatment.

With marijuana becoming legal within the next year, Judge Christopher allowed it, stating that Lake would have to work with his doctors and probation officer to do so.