Assault charges against Sherwood dropped
One case against Donnovan Sherwood, 18, of Ravalli, was dismissed County Attorney Brendan McQuillan said.
Sherwood appeared in front of 20th Judicial District Court Judge Deborah Kim Christopher Thursday, Sept. 27.
The alleged victim, a 13-year-old, “left a short voicemail recanting her statements” that she was the primary aggressor in a June altercation, McQuillan said.
Sherwood was originally charged with assault with a weapon and assault on a minor.
McQuillan said that county law enforcement have tried locating the youth, as well as the juvenile’s mother.
The situation has left the State in the position to dismiss the charge without prejudice.
In another case, Sherwood has been accused of obstructing justice relating to the death of Ronan resident Cassandra Harris in June.
Sherwood’s attorney, Britt Cotter, told the court that a plea agreement between the County Attorney’s office and himself have possibly been reached, and Cotter wanted additional time to review the terms with Sherwood.
The omnibus hearing was continued for Oct. 11.
ALSO ON Sept. 27, Scott Johnson, 55, of Polson, entered a change of plea last week in district court.
Johnson, who was originally charged with criminal possession of dangerous drugs, endangering welfare of kids and criminal distribution of dangerous drugs, changed his not guilty plea to guilty as part of a plea agreement.
Johnson pleaded guilty to one count of criminal possession of dangerous drugs, a felony.
The other two counts will be dismissed at his Nov. 8 sentencing.
In addition to a three-year deferred sentence, Johnson will pay “at least $11,765” restitution to the St. Ignatius School District, according to court documents.
A pre-sentence investigation has been ordered.
In May, Johnson was arrested on a charge of possession of methamphetamine with intent to distribute following a “months-long investigation,” according to the Lake County Sheriff’s Office.
Johnson, owner of J.C. Bussing Inc., had a long-standing contract with the St. Ignatius School District.
A TRIAL DATE for Douglas Lichte, former property manager of Polson Property Management, has been scheduled for Nov. 26 following his Sept. 27 appearance in District Court.
Lichte is facing 19 total charges of theft stemming from him holding monies for rental payments, security deposits and other funds held in trust for individuals.
A change of plea to guilty was entered last week, and a trial date for Nov. 26 has been scheduled.