Example Article for Court Beat
Court Beat 9/4/2026
Author: Valerie Hornsveld, MT43 News Reporter
Article Published: 09/18/2026 Volume: 5 Edition: 11Valerie Hornsveld
MT43 News Reporter
9/4/2026
Judge Mike Menahan presided over the following cases. County Attorney Kevin Bratcher brought the charges. The defense attorney Qasim Abdul-Baki, appointed from the Office of Public Defenders, acted as the defense attorney in several cases.
Michael Jay Larson- appeared on an Amended Information and Arraignment. The state has amended the information to include Count 2- Attempted Sexual Intercourse and Count 3-Sexual Abuse of Children. The defendant pleaded Not Guilty to the amended charges. The Pre-trial is scheduled for November 18th, 2026, and the Jury Trial is scheduled for December 14, 2026, in Lewis and Clark County.
Cadet Edward Lacunza- appeared for the Initial Hearing and Arraignment. The stated filed the information with the charges of Count 1- Criminal Possession of Dangerous Drugs and Count 2- Criminal Possession of Drug Paraphernalia. Mr. Lacunza pleaded Not Guilty to the charges. The Omnibus memorandum must be filed by November 6, 2026; Pre-trial Hearing, April 2, 2027; and Jury Trial, May 3, 2027.
Richard Dee Anderson- was heard on the Warrant Hearing for failure to appear. The parties have come to an agreement. The Bond will remain in place, and a Change of Plea is scheduled for Friday, September 25, 2026.
Timothy Dale Engen- appeared with his Attorney Jessica Wilkerson. The Change of Plea hearing was held with the defendant pleading Guilty to Count 3- Theft. With the assistance of his attorney, the defendant stated what he had done. The defendant was sentenced to 6 months deferred, must pay a fine in the amount of $50, and pay restitution in the amount of $4.30.
Joshua Ross- appeared for the Admit Deny hearing. The defendant admitted to the Violations of being arrested for DUI, Termination from family court, positive urine sample and absconding from place of residence. Defendant was released OR with conditions of being placed on 24-7 once a day or drug patch, report to Probation and Parole, and continue to follow all previous conditions. Sentencing is scheduled for September 18, 2026.
Bradley James Wright- appeared for the Evidentiary Hearing. The parties had come to an agreement and the defendant admitted to the allegation Count 6- Refused to address Probation and Parole with notice of address change. The Defendant's sentence was revoked and re-deferred 3 years credit for time served, with all conditions previously in place plus aftercare from inpatient recommendations.
Vicente Nicholas Padierma- Appeared for Sentencing. The Defendant had already paid the restitution in the amount of $16,000. Defendant was sentenced to 6 years, deferred, placed on supervision with Probation and Parole and follow all conditions put in place. Follow all Mental health conditions, pay $800 to the public defender’s office for services, pay all fees and surcharges, spend 90 days within six months in the Broadwater County Jail.
