Cruz lost job, temper and freedom

RONAN – Roger Cruz, formerly of Ronan, didn’t take his termination notice very well earlier in the year.

Instead of getting a love-note from his employer, Cruz got a mid-February termination notice that appears to have filled him with hatred.

An employee who worked for Jore Corp in Ronan called Lake County Sheriff’s deputies one morning to report that an unknown person entered a restricted area and cut several phone and computer lines servicing the business, according to Lake County Court records.

Though the employee was not sure, he suspected Cruz may have perpetrated the event, and reported Cruz had “blown up” during the termination process.

A thorough search of the company’s video surveillance system showed Cruz re-entering the company building at 9 p.m. the night before, though no one was supposed to be in that room after 3 p.m., court records said.

Lake County deputies made an appointment to discuss the problem with Cruz, but when Cruz failed to show up, deputies went to his home and learned Cruz disconnected his own phone and moved away.

When Cruz was found at his new home in Missoula, he was taken into custody and charged with felony burglary. Cruz was immediately released under the agreement that he would pay a $300 cash bond.

Cruz pled not guilty on July 10 and was called to Lake County Court Sept. 11.

His case was continued to Sept. 25.

If convicted, Cruz faces up to 20 years in jail and a maximum fine of $50,000 in penalties.