Pleas entered to charges stemming from accident

Two men involved in a single-car accident in May pleaded not guilty to numerous charges. They appeared Tuesday in 20th District Judicial Court before Judge James Manley. According to charging documents, Jesse Spegal and Joshua McKnight were in the vehicle when it crashed. Spegal fled the scene and McKnight was seriously injured in the wreck, according to charging documents. Drug paraphernalia and drugs were found in the vehicle and a bag found on McKnight tested positive for methamphetamine. Law enforcement also found numerous firearms and stolen items in the vehicle.

Spegal is facing felony charges of criminal possession of dangerous drugs, criminal possession with intent to distribute, duty to give information and render aid, criminal child endangerment and unlawful possession of a firearm by a convicted felon. McKnight is facing felony charges of criminal possession of dangerous drugs, criminal possession with intent to distribute, criminal endangerment, unlawful possession of a firearm by a convicted felon, and four counts of unlawful use or possession of property subject to forfeiture.

Spegal’s non-jury trial is to remain on January 24. Spegal’s attorney Kirk Krutilla also submitted a bail reduction argument, but because of the number and severity of charges it was denied. McKnight’s trial has been set for May 9.

John Yoder appeared in court Tuesday, pleading not guilty to charges of criminal possession of dangerous drugs and criminal possession of drug paraphernalia, both felonies. The cab of Yoder’s vehicle was searched on September 10 and small amounts of drugs were found in a container in the vehicle, according to charging documents. Yoder’s trial has been set for May 9.

William Butte changed his plea to guilty on Tuesday to amended charges. Butte was initially charged with sexual assault earlier this year, but pleaded guilty to the amended charge of felony criminal endangerment. According to court records, the charges stem from incidents with a child who was 6 at the time, and the crime occurred over the course of several years between 2015 and 2018. Butte’s sentencing has been set for January 11.

Michael Hicks was sentenced Tuesday for criminal distribution of dangerous drugs. Manley sentenced Hicks to 15 years with the Department of Correction with 10 suspended. Hicks was also given credit for 180 days served in jail. The charges stemmed from the death of a man in Hot Springs who overdosed on drugs that Hicks allegedly sold him.