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Court Beat

Author: Valerie Hornsveld, MT43 News Reporter MT43News Court Beat Reporter

Valerie Hornsveld

MT43 News Reporter

On Friday, May 29, 2026, the Honorable Mike Menahan presided over the following cases. County Attorney Kevin Bratcher brought charges. The defense attorney, Qasim Abdul-Baki, from the public defender’s office, appeared for the defendants.

Quinn Duval- appeared for the Initial hearing on the Extradition to South Dakota. Mr. Duvall signed the waiver of extradition to return to South Dakota. The Court has given South Dakota 14 days to pick up Mr. Duvall and return him there.

Michelle Leigh McCauley- appeared for her initial Appearance on 3 charges: Attempted Deliberate homicide, Aggravated Assault, and PFMA. The Court appointed the Public Defenders Office to represent Ms. McCauley. Ms. McCauley pleaded Not Guilty and the following schedule was set: Omnibus, July 10, 2026; Pre-trial, Friday, December 17, 2026; and Jury Trial, January 25, 2027.

Gabriel Echeverry- appeared before the Court for his Initial Appearance on the charges of 4th DUI and Careless Driving. Arraignment was set for Friday, June 26, 2026.

James Bist- appeared for his Initial hearing on the Warrant for Violation of Conditions. Mr. Bist denied violations and the following dates were set. Omnibus, July 10, 2026; Pretrial, December 4, 2027; Jury Trial, January 4, 2027.

Mollie Caiella- appeared with her attorney, Cory Calvin, for her Initial hearing for two charges, Criminal Possession of Dangerous Drugs and Criminal Possession of Drug Paraphernalia. Ms. Caiella pleaded NOT Guilty and the following dates were set: Omnibus, July 11, 2026; Pre-trial, September 11, 2026; and Jury Trial, October 6, 2026.

Michael Larson appeared along with his Attorney Abigail Coburn. The parties have filed for a Change of Venue to Lewis and Clark County. The Court granted the Change of Venue.

The following hearings are set for August 12, 2026, for the Pretrial and August 31, 2026, for the Jury Trial. The Trial will be held before Judge Mike Menahan.

Christian Alexander Hospidales appeared for Sentencing. The court sentenced the defendant to 6 years deferred; the defendant must follow all conditions and amendments; he must pay $500 restitution. Count 2 was dismissed.

Andrew Michael Roberts appeared for Sentencing. The Court sentenced the defendant to 6 years deferred, restitution in the amount of $2674.18, he must follow all conditions and pay all fees and surcharges. Counts 2, 5 and 6 were dismissed.