Probation revoked, prison imposed
Joshua Berry, 22, of Cortez, was sentenced to four years in prison after admitting that he violating a two-year probationary term in connection to a 2014 shooting incident.
Berry reportedly fired a rifle at several residences last summer with the intent to kill his neighbors so he could “eat them,” police said. He later pleaded guilty to illegal discharge of a firearm and harassment involving ethnic intimidation. No injuries were reported as a result of the shootings.
Rosco Hampson, 27, of Cortez was sentenced to three years in prison after admitting that he violated a two-year probationary term in connection to the theft of multiple automobiles in 2014.
Hampson reportedly assaulted his father while on probation for felony aggravated motor vehicle theft and trespass charges. He was initially arrested after stealing multiple vehicles from a local auto dealer. After a pursuit, he was captured trying to steal a county tanker truck.
Two sentenced to drug court
Ashlee Cruzan, 19, of Cortez, was sentenced to drug court after being arrested on both possession and distribution charges. She was also placed on 24 months of supervised probation and ordered to complete 120 hours of community service.
Christina Hurst, 29, of Cortez, was sentenced to drug court after being arrested and charged with aggravated motor vehicle theft. She was also placed on 24 months of supervised probation and ordered to complete 60 hours community service.
Trial vacated because of plea deal
Set to start next week, a jury trial was vacated for Daniel Holley, 29, of Cortez, after he pleaded guilty to felony domestic violence as part of a plea deal. The plea agreement includes an 18-month term at a halfway house. Sentencing was set for Dec. 10.
Last month, Holley faced a jury on menacing and weapons charges, but a mistrial was declared after Assistant District Attorney Sean Murray was barred from serving as prosecutor because of a conflict of interest.
Initial charges were filed against Holley, a convicted felon, after holding a Mancos man at gunpoint. Holley reportedly pulled the gun after being accused of beating his then girlfriend.
In the original complaint, police alleged that Holley held a .4 caliber semi-automatic pistol to the victim’s jaw after a dispute with his girlfriend on Navajo Street. Holley and the woman have since married.
Utah woman gets shoplifting probation
Joanne June, 54, of Montezuma Creek, Utah, was placed on probation for 24 months in connection to a shoplifting incident at Walmart. June had previously pleaded guilty to an attempted charge of contributing to the delinquency of a minor after she used two children to assist with the shoplifting incident.
Bond upheld in child molestation case
The court rejected a defense request to lower bond for Nicholas Lopez, 27, address unknown. Lopez is charged with seven counts of child sex assault stemming from an incident that occurred in 2013.
Lopez has remained in custody under a $250,000 bond since his arrest on Oct. 15. A preliminary hearing is set for Dec. 11.
Convict agrees to restitution
Currently in prison, Charles Merrill, 36, agreed to a $1,300 restitution request after pleaded guilty to identity theft. Merrill previously admitted that he used a stolen check to purchase a vehicle for $1,300.
Bond reinstated for robbery suspect
A personal recognizance bond was reinstated for Shelby Mudgett, 25, address unknown after she tested positive for drug use while awaiting sentencing on armed robbery charges.
An accomplice in the case, Mudgett previously pleaded guilty to felony conspiracy to commit theft of a person and misdemeanor child abuse. She’ll be sentenced next month.
Prosecutors have alleged that the armed defendants entered a residence with children inside and stole more than $3,000 in cash.
Two suspects face bench warrants
A bench warrant was issued for Rodale Nelson, 30, of Blanding, Utah, after he failed to appear for arraignment on charges of menacing, vehicular eluding and DUI. The offenses reportedly occurred on May 30.
A no bond bench warrant was also issued for Kristine Kirkpatrick, 59, of Durango, after she failed to appear for a revocation hearing. Sentenced to four years of probation, time served and ordered to pay $276,000 in restitution, the defendant previously entered a plea deal in connection to a 2013 identify theft of an at-risk victim. She was charged with violating probation in January.
Jail imposed in domestic violence
Brandon Shorty, 28, of Shiprock, was sentenced to 90 days in jail after admitting that he violated terms of his probation. Shorty was placed on probation after pleading guilty to criminal trespass in connection to a domestic violence incident in September.
Competency hearing for Blanding suspect
The court ordered a competency hearing be held next month for Verano Silas, 22, of Blanding, Utah. In custody under a $5,000 bond, Silas is charged with three counts of assault stemming from an incident that occurred in April.
Tobie Baker
