Paradise man pleads not guilty to multiple charges

Appearing on Tuesday before Judge Deborah “Kim” Christopher for his initial appearance, Braden Jones entered not guilty pleas to felony counts of criminal mischief and sexual assault, and a misdemeanor count of resisting arrest. A jury trial was set for January 17, 2023, by Judge Christopher.

Per the charging documents, on September 9, Deputy Wegener was dispatched to a reported sexual assault in the Thompson Falls area. The reporting party had called 911 stating she had been attacked by a male family friend, who was currently intoxicated and had passed out. While Deputy Wegener was en route, the man, Jones, had woken up and was approaching two women at the scene in their vehicle. TFPD Officer Thornton had responded as well to assist and was able to detain Jones at the scene. Upon Deputy Wegener’s arrival, Jones was reportedly uncooperative and resistant. Jones was placed in the back of the patrol vehicle and allegedly began hitting the window with his head.

As alleged, after transport, Jones had to be held at taser point to complete the intake process at the Sanders County Jail, after destroying a keyboard. Jones continued to cause a disturbance once placed in a cell, attempting to break down the door and destroying the jail cell monitoring camera.

Anthony Waller entered general denials to the five alleged probation violations contained within the petition to revoke probation for his 2020 criminal case. Judge Christopher set this matter for an adjudication hearing on November 1, 2022.