Initial appearance in assault case

by Stephanie Molzhon

James Lee Herring made his initial appearance before Judge Deborah Kim Christopher on Tuesday, entering a not guilty plea to a felony count of assault with a weapon, stemming from an incident in March. A jury trial was set for September 18.

According to the affidavit filed, Deputy Devin Wegener responded to a call regarding an incident that occurred with Herring in Paradise. Deputy Wegener drove down to speak with the alleged victim, who shared that Herring came to his apartment and appeared to be intoxicated. The two started arguing, with Herring escalating to demands of going outside to fight. Herring allegedly pulled a knife from his pocket.

Appearing for his initial appearance, Matthew Anders Weber entered not guilty pleas to a felony count of driving under the influence, fourth or subsequent offense, and a misdemeanor count of obstructing a peace officer. The jury trial was set for September 18.

As detailed in the filed affidavit, on March 19, Thompson Falls Police Officer Jason Thornton responded to the intersection of Clear Creek Road and Prospect Creek Road regarding a report of a vehicle striking a guardrail. Officer Thornton found Weber laying underneath his truck. Weber allegedly admitted to being intoxicated. Officer Thornton informed Weber he was under investigation for DUI, which led to Weber becoming belligerent and stating he had been there since the previous day. Weber allegedly became more agitated while waiting for Highway Patrol, with him continuing to be belligerent, confrontational, and obstructing the investigation when Trooper Rosenbaum arrived. Weber resisted being handcuffed to the point where it took three officers to successfully place the cuffs on him.

Braden J. Jones changed his plea, entering a guilty plea to a felony count of criminal mischief. The parties discussed terms of the plea agreement, which includes restitution to the Sanders County Jail of $1,945.68 for equipment Jones damaged in the incident. Jones’s attorney, Kimberly Durham, discussed the positive steps Jones has taken since the incident, including successfully completing in-patient treatment and moving into sober living. Judge Christopher set sentencing for June 6.

Changing her plea, Kimberly Renee Dippre pleaded guilty to a felony count of driving under the influence, fourth or subsequent offense, and a misdemeanor count of driving while license suspended or revoked. After Judge Christopher inquired about Dippre’s criminal history, it was noted that this is Dippre’s ninth lifetime DUI. Sentencing was set for June 6.

Bertha Rose Garrett was sentenced according to the state’s recommendation on a felony count of criminal endangerment. Judge Christopher pronounced a sentence of five years to the Department of Corrections, with two years suspended and credit for 85 days time served. Garrett will also have to pay $3,007.80 restitution for the damages to the victim’s vehicle, as well as the standard surcharges.

Appearing for sentencing, Jay Dean Anderson was sentenced to a period of 13 months to two years with the Department of Corrections, followed by a five-year suspended sentence, with 96-day credit for time served. Anderson will also be required to pay a $5,000 fine and the standard surcharges.