Sentence deferred for death threats

POLSON — In Lake County District Court last week, a man charged with issuing death threats to Polson city officials was given a two-year deferred sentence.

Ronald Melvin, 58, reached the ruling via plea agreement after admitting to felony charges brought before him in an April court appearance.

The allegations facing Melvin stem from an incident in May 2012, when the former city employee was terminated after reportedly being cited for a DUI while driving a city vehicle. Melvin pled guilty to the DUI later that month. The day after his termination, court documents state that Melvin left a phone message threatening to kill then city manager Todd Crossett, city attorney James Raymond and another employee.

Melvin received the DUI in Jefferson County when the city truck he was operating was found facing the wrong way on Interstate 90 with two flat tires. Melvin’s blood-alcohol level registered a .265.