Gourneau Sentenced For Criminal Endangerment

Amanda Jo Gourneau was sentenced for criminal endangerment during a hearing in district court on Wednesday, April 14.

Gourneau changed her plea to guilty for the charge on March 23.

Based on a plea agreement, the state sought a five-year suspended sentence and a $500 fine.

Defense attorney Mary Louise Zemyan requested a reduction to three years suspended because it’s Gourneau’s first felony. “She didn’t injure anyone. It’s at the lower level of what a felony could be,” Zemyan said.

Roosevelt County Attorney Frank A. Piocos argued the incident involved a 30-mile highway chase that involved both the highway patrol and tribal police. She drove over 100 miles per hour including a school zone.

Zemyan noted that Gourneau still faces tribal court charges.

“Both jurisdictions are citing the same factors. It’s just a matter of what portion of highway.”

District Judge David J. Cybulski decided to follow the plea agreement of five years suspended and a $500 fine.