Court Beat April 14, 2023
 | Author:
Dee Gannon, MT43 News Correspondent
MT43 News Correspondent |
Court Beat April 14, 2023 Dee Gannon, MT43 News Correspondent The criminal docket in Judge Michael McMahon’s courtroom on Friday, April 14 is as follows:
Robert Bakke had an Initial Appearance and Arraignment; pleading Not Guilty to a charge of felony theft. The Omnibus is due on June 2; Pre-Trial is set for August 4: with the Jury Trial scheduled for September 11.
Joseph Matt was scheduled for a Pre-Trial Conference, on charges of criminal possession of dangerous drugs and criminal possession of drug paraphernalia. The State said that they were working toward a Change of Plea. That has to be settled two weeks before the Jury Trial date of June 5.
Donald Hinman appeared with an Order to be Released from Supervision. He was Sentenced in 2020; has paid restitution and has successfully completed supervision. The judge said that “This is a great thing happening, where bad things usually come about. What a success story”. Judge Menehan, Hinman’s presiding judge, said, “We wish him the best. The Court is very proud. Because of this action; his guilty plea has been stricken from the record and he is released".
Michael Coyle has a Continuance of his Jury Trial date until October 10.
Paul Creason had an Initial Appearance and Arraignment (appearing from L&C Co Detention Center): pleading Not Guilty to three charges: criminal possession of dangerous drugs (meth), tampering with evidence and criminal possession of drug paraphernalia. Omnibus is due June 9; Pre-Trial is set for September 8; with the Jury Trial scheduled for October 10.
Celia Kolar had a Change of Plea, pleading Guilty to amended charges of negligent endangerment and misdemeanor DUI. In her elocution, she stated that while driving in Broadwater County, she drove impaired, creating a danger to herself and others. For the first charge, she is Sentenced to a fine of $500. For the second charge, there is a fine of $600 and is Sentenced to one year suspended (except for one day). She may apply for a probationary driver's license. She already provided completion of the Prime for Life program and must pay fees and surcharges.
Esther Suhr was scheduled for a Pre-Trial Conference; which turned into a Change of Plea, pleading No Contest to the amended charge of felony stalking and count 2 felony stalking. She pleads Guilty to count 4, violating an Order of Protection. The State said that she harassed the victim (her husband of many years), and made him feel unsafe and unsettled in his abode, breaking cameras he had set up. A Pre-Sentence Investigation is ordered. The sentencing will be on June 9.
