Court Beat - June 9, 2023
 | Author:
Dee Gannon, MT43 News Correspondent
MT43 News Correspondent |
June 9, 2023 Dee Gannon MT43 News Correspondent The criminal docket in Judge Michael McMahon’s courtroom on Friday, June 9 is as follows:
Rodney Wilson had a Status Hearing on Extradition to California. Because of charges in Missoula and Broadwater Counties of criminal possession of dangerous drugs with intent to deliver; he will not go back to California AFTER he addresses charges here. He must submit an application for Behavioral Health Court and must complete both a chemical dependency and mental health evaluation.
Cassandra Washington appeared from Valley County, MT on an Initial Appearance and Arraignment; pleading Not Guilty to charges of criminal possession of dangerous drugs (meth & fentanyl) and criminal possession of drug paraphernalia. The Omnibus is due on August 18; Pre-Trial is set for October 13; with the Jury Trial scheduled for November 13. She is ordered to have a mental health and chemical dependency evaluation. Bond has been reduced to $5,000.
Jay Plaggmier had an Initial Appearance and Arraignment; pleading Not Guilty to charges of DUI (6+), day speed and seat belt violation. Omnibus is due on August 18; Pre-Trial is set for October 13; with the Jury Trial scheduled for November 13.
Wayne Johnson appeared for a Change of Plea; pleading Guilty to a charge of criminal possession of dangerous drugs (meth). In his elocution, he stated that he knowingly possessed meth while in Broadwater County. He receives a three-year suspended sentence. He must be screened for substance use disorder. He gets 3 days credit time served.
Esther Suhr appeared on two amended charges of Stalking and violation of a protection order. Bill Waldron, her husband (and victim), gave testimony; including admonishing the Sheriff’s Office for not making a priority of the situation. He said that he had filed for divorce about a year ago, and since then, on numerous occasions, Suhr had entered the property, disregarding both the No Trespassing signs, as well as the Protection Order. He provided many videos and photo evidence of the offenses; without any charges. He’s been very frustrated that he has gotten no real help from BCSO; after being harassed for months.
After hearing the testimony; Judge McMahon sentenced Suhr to mental health evaluation and substance use disorder which is to include Moral Recognition Therapy which deals with understanding the root cause of her actions and identifying issues, in order to heal. She is Sentenced to six-18 months at Veteran’s Treatment Center in Great Falls, for the two counts of stalking. For violating a Protection Order, the Sentence is deferred; but she must pay a $1,000 fine. In conclusion, Judge McMahon quoted John Wayne, per his tombstone: “Tomorrow is the most important thing in life. Comes to us at midnight, very clean It’s perfect when it arrives and puts itself in our hands. It hopes we’ve learned something from yesterday.” And what the judge has told others, “Tomorrow is a mystery, yesterday is a mystery, so live for yourself, today.”
