Spokane woman pleads not guilty to drug charge

A Spokane woman pleaded not guilty to the charge of criminal possession of dangerous drugs Tuesday in 20th District Judicial Court. According to charging documents, Brianna Davidson was pulled over in Sanders County April 30 after the officer noticed that her Washington plates had expired. Upon conversing with Davidson, the officer discovered that Davidson did not possess a valid driver’s license. It was also learned that there was a warrant out for Davidson for drug-related charges in Spokane. Upon a search of the vehicle, drug paraphernalia and numerous containers of a brownish substance were collected from the vehicle. The evidence tested positive for heroin, according to court documents. Davidson’s trial has been set for Dec. 6.

During George Beers’ status hearing Tuesday, attorney Kirk Krutilla argued for his release and a reduced bond of $1,000. Beers is facing charges of burglary and violation of a protection order. The burglary in question was committed at the residence of Beers’ ex-wife. According to Krutilla, who viewed the security tape since the last hearing, the individual in the footage appears to be a person much larger in weight than Beers. In response, the prosecution called an eyewitness from the night of the supposed burglary. Sanders County Attorney Naomi Leisz also pointed out that being in Montana, close to his ex-wife, Beers is violating both a protection order and a previous deferred sentence in Oklahoma.

Judge Deborah “Kim” Christopher decided that the court would not lower the bail, but set a hearing date for July 6, where the court will view any further evidence.

Raymond Schaefer appeared before Judge Christopher on Tuesday for sentencing. Before sentencing was pronounced, state prosecutor Thorin Geist stated that they would be deviating from the plea agreement because Schaefer had violated the agreement by testing positive for methamphetamine after the agreement was signed. One of the conditions of the agreement was that he stay sober, while on release. The state recommended five years to the Department of Corrections with three years suspended. Judge Christopher followed the state's recommendation in sentencing.