District Court Report For January 9
Author: Nancy Marks, MT43 News Reporter
January 9
Nancy Marks
MT43 News Reporter
Judge Michael Menahan presided over the following cases. County Attorney Kevin Bratcher brought the charges. The defense attorney Qasim Walid Abdul-Baki, appointed from the Office of Public Defenders, acted as a defense attorney for all cases.
Bradley James Wright- Pleaded guilty to one count of possession of dangerous drugs, methamphetamine and alcohol, a felony. Two charges were dismissed. Sentencing will be held on February 6.
Joseph Daniel Karr, Helena- Status hearing set for charge of 3 counts of possession of methamphetamine. Accepted one count; two counts were dropped. Karr was also charged in Gallatin County. His 3 and ½ year sentence was suspended due to the time already served from June 28 to September 19, 2025.
Bradley Mathew Heath pleaded guilty to theft of property by common scheme. Beginning June 7, 2025, in two actions, stole binoculars valued at $1,600 from Rocky Mountain Supply. Sentenced to one year at the Montana Department of Corrections, subject to time served.
Christian Alexander Hospidales- arraigned on 2 counts of assault with a weapon, one charge of criminal mischief, and one count of unauthorized control of property. He pleaded not guilty. Released on own recognizance to a friend in Bozeman, where he is self-employed as a personal fitness trainer, according to his attorney. He is released on a $5,000 bond. His trial is set for April 17, 2026.
Curtis Justin Smith faced a petition to revoke his right to be released on his own recognizance because he failed to complete his drug dependence course. He had been charged with 3 counts of unlawful entry, assault and criminal mischief. Sentencing date is set for January 30, 2026.
Vincent Nicholas Padierma – Status hearing to decide on having a mediator enter the case. Charged with 4 counts of Criminal Endangerment with an auto. In April 2025, in his Corvette, he drove speeds up to 165 miles per hour. He was sentenced on March 6, 2026.
Samuel Nathaniel Cooper- hearing to admit evidence of 4 counts of possessing dangerous drugs, drug paraphernalia, driving without a license, possession of alcohol and driving a stolen car. He must stay in Broadwater County Detention Center until January 14, when he will be transferred to Yellowstone County Detention for prosecution.
Logan Charles Geick – Charged with criminal possession of drugs. He was appointed a public defender and pleaded not guilty. His trial is set for April 27, 2026.
Zane Alan Wallace – Charged with driving while intoxicated, fourth count, failure to report an accident and criminal mischief. He pleaded not guilty. His trial is set for June 8, 2026.
Andrew Michael Roberts – Status hearing to address 6 counts of assault with a weapon, assault on a minor. He did not appear. Attorney Bratcher reported he was released from detention in Gallatin County and is now homeless in Bozeman. A warrant was issued for his arrest.
Willie John Schwindt – issued a change of plea to no contest, a pleading which recognizes the charges, but does not admit guilt – on 3 counts of possession of dangerous drugs. Attorney Bratcher asked for dismissal of counts 1 and 3, but continues to charge count 2 of possession of methamphetamine. The judge dismissed counts 1 and 3. Currently serving a sentence brought by Gallatin County and asked to serve his term concurrently.
For definitions of Legal Terms, visit the MT43News website at: https://mt43news-business-services.com/LegalTerms
