Court Beat
Author: Dee Gannon, MT43 News Correspondent
April 5th
Dee Gannon
MT43 News Correspondent
Richard Karp appeared for an Evidentiary Hearing on a Petition to Revoke a deferred sentence. The first witness was Karp’s Adult Probation and Parole Officer from Yellowstone County, Lillian Ahern. She relayed information from his Conditions of Release In that, Karp stated, “I will not possess weapons, firearms nor ammunition. I will not consume alcohol or be in a place that serves alcohol. I will remain law-abiding. I will not drive without expressed permission of Adult Probation and Parole. The second witness, the arresting officer, Gordon Grimsrud, expressed that he was sent by dispatch, to look in on a disabled vehicle. He stated that when he approached the vehicle, I noticed a pistol in plain sight. I called Adult Probation and Parole to search the vehicle, as protocol. I found a container with marijuana in it. It was obvious to me that he was intoxicated. He had an open container in a cupholder on the console, along with a marijuana pipe. In the back seat were more open containers, as was a rifle, (556 assault rifle) along with a pouch that had ammo magazines for that rifle. The judge granted the Petition to Revoke. A Pre-Sentence Investigation is ordered. He will be sentenced on May 3.
Gabriel Puga had an Initial Appearance on a Petition to Revoke a deferred sentence. His new charges include possession of a firearm, twice; criminal endangerment; and cruelty to animals.
George Marcuzzi had a change of Plea; pleading Guilty to assault with a weapon. In his elocution, he admitted that while driving in Broadwater County, he purposely struck a vehicle, containing three men. He will be sentenced on May 17.
Paul Creason had a failure to appear. He was in court, complaining that he had not been able to contact his attorney. His attorney is on leave. He will be back in court on April 19.
Joseph Johnson had a Petition to Revoke a deferred sentence, on criminal possession of dangerous drugs (meth). Both sides have reached an agreement. He will have an Admit/Denial Hearing on May 3.
