Polson man sentenced on probation violations

POLSON — A local man had his suspended sentence revoked on Sept. 20 on a number of probation violations.

On Aug. 28-the day Jeremy Rice signed his probation conditions-law enforcement responded to a call at his residence for a possible overdose of drugs. Rice did not report the incident to his probation officer. 

According to court records on Aug. 31 during a required home visit by probation officers Rice was found to be in possession of a large number of hypodermic needles that he admitted to using to inject his prescription pills. Also in his residence was a glass smoking device used for smoking marijuana, and according to court documents the defendant admitted to smoking marijuana. 

On Aug. 31 Rice tested positive for opiates, Oxycodone and Benzodiazepine according to court records.

Also found during the visit were forty rounds of Black Hills .45 250 grain ammunition and 66 rounds of Winchester .45 230 grain ammunition.  According to court records the defendant had an empty bottle of whiskey in his bedroom, also a violation of his probation.

Rice originally  avoided jail time after  his Aug. 23 conviction and was charged with  threats and improper influence and political matters, a felony,  for making threats including spitting blood on law enforcement officers.

On Sept. 13 Rice admitted to violating his probation and is sentenced to 5 years in prison with 2 years suspended. 

According to records the court recommends Rice be considered for in-patient treatment to address his chemical dependency issues.