Judge rejects guilty plea

The court rejected a drug suspect's guilty plea after the defendant said she was threatened to enter the plea.

Debbie Foster, 45, faces possession and distribution charges stemming from an incident in Dolores on June 11.

Foster was alleged to have possessed 3.5 grams of methamphetamines. Her cell phone included text messages about drug transactions, according to authorities.

In custody last week, Foster pleaded guilty to the possession charge. The plea was rejected after Foster indicated she was coerced by physical abuse to confess.

"I'm not guilty, your honor," Foster said.

A jury trial is set for March 16.

DA requests trial delay, again

A 45-year-old Dolores woman, who allegedly ordered her son to attack an elderly man, indicated that she was ready for trial, but prosecutors requested a second continuance.

Prosecutors argued this week that their star witness was on medical leave from the Montezuma County Sheriff's Office until Jan. 15, and the trial should be delayed. The court was told that doctors had yet to clear the deputy for "light duty," such as testifying.

The defense argued against the delay, stating that prosecutors have had plenty of time to subpoena the witness to testify since their first continuance was granted in October. The defense added their time for a speedy trial had ticked away for no reason.

"The prosecution hasn't done anything," said public defender Katherine Whitney.

The court didn't immediately rule on the request for a continuance.

Raynell Paredes, faces felony charges of inciting destruction of life and property, conspiracy to commit third-degree assault on an at-rick victim and a related misdemeanor conspiracy charge.

The charges stem from an incident that occurred after a 65-year-old man ran over the suspect's dog.

Woman faces charges after email threats

A 32-year-old pregnant woman from Dolores has been charged with sending threatening emails to an former lover.

Catrina Prairie faces charges of intimidating a witness or victim and violating a protection order from an incident that occurred in October. The protection order was granted after a domestic violence clash in August.

Court records allege the defendant sent multiple emails to the victim, stating, "I should have done more than beat your (expletive). And if I ever get the chance I will. Watch your back (expletive)."

Public Defender Kenneth Pace told the court that an ongoing investigation would result in the dismissal of charges. The case was continued until January.

Dad pistol-whips daughter's fiancé

A father and daughter from Dolores were arrested in September after the man was accused of pistol-whipping the woman's fiancé.

Wayne Williford, 53, was charged with menacing and third-degree assault. His daughter, Whitney Williford, 24, was charged with assault, resisting arrest, obstruction and domestic violence.

Out of custody on a $2,500 bond, Wayne Williford pleaded not guilty to all charges, and a jury trial was set for April.

According to court records, Wayne Williford threatened to assault his daughter. While trying to defend his fiancé, the victim was then reportedly held at gunpoint and then struck in the mouth with a handgun by Wayne Williford. A weapon was never recovered, according to reports.

Whitney Williford pleaded guilty to obstruction in October, and was sentenced to 20 hours of community service. In a written apology to the court, she said her behavior on the date in question was regrettable.

Suspect pleads guilty to choking brother

A 26-year-old Dolores man has pleaded guilty to assaulting his brother. The defendant will be sentenced in February.

As part of a plea agreement, Kole Click is likely to avoid a two-year prison term, and instead be sentenced to probation on Feb. 17. Court records show he was arrested after allegedly choking his younger brother in May.

Initial reports indicate that Click was also arrested on felony drug charges after authorities discovered 45 grams of amphetamines, nine jars of psychedelic mushrooms, a .380 caliber handgun and $4,600 in cash inside his home. It's unknown if the drug charges remain pending.

tbaker@cortezjournal.com