Suspect pleads not guilty

The suspect from the recent double meth lab bust case appeared in 20th District Judicial Court on Tuesday to plead not guilty. Baily Lake is facing numerous charges, including one charge of criminal possession of dangerous drugs, two counts of criminal production of dangerous drugs, two counts for the operation of an unlawful clandestine laboratory, two counts of criminal possession of precursors to dangerous drugs and one count of criminal possession of drug paraphernalia. All of the charges are felonies.

Charging documents stated the two labs were discovered around the end of July after Lake was arrested and drugs and drug paraphernalia were discovered. After subsequent searches of his vehicle and residence, the labs were found. Judge Deborah "Kim" Christopher set a trial date of January 3, 2022, for Lake.

Jeffery Trump changed his plea to guilty for the felony charges of criminal possession of dangerous drugs and criminal possession with intent to distribute. According to charging documents, Trump was pulled over January 17. The traffic stop was initiated after a vehicle and its occupants, fitting the description of the one trump was driving, was seen acting suspicious. During the stop, drugs and several firearms were found. His sentencing has been scheduled for October 19.

David Tupper of Plains also entered a plea change on Tuesday. Tupper was facing charges for two counts of sexual abuse of children. These charges were changed to one charge of criminal endangerment. As per a plea agreement, which could see Tupper get a three-year deferred sentence, a condition was set by the court that Tupper be required to register as a sexual offender. This charge change was done considering Tupper’s advanced age, personal circumstances and the likelihood that he would be convicted in a trail given the audio evidence. According to Judge Christopher, the change would still “protect the community, which is the purpose of criminal law,” and “the most important thing is that the people be on notice.” According to charging documents, Tupper propositioned two young boys in late October of last year. After pleading guilty to criminal endangerment, Tupper’s attorney, Britt Cotter, explained to the court that he would further research the legal ramifications of Tupper’s registration. His sentencing has been set for November 2.