LaRoche Changes Plea For Drug Charge

Joshua Dean LaRoche of Poplar changed his plea to guilty for the charge of criminal possession of dangerous drugs in district court on Wednesday, Aug. 11.

LaRoche admitted that on June 1, he was in Roosevelt County and was in possession of a baggie with meth residue.

According to court documents, law enforcement saw a person on June 1, who had a warrant from state probation. After LaRoche was located, the probation officer authorized a probationary search. Discovered during the search were two hypodermic needles and a small baggie with white residue inside. The substance field tested positive as meth. The baggie was then sent to the Montana State Crime Lab.

A pre-sentencing investigation was ordered by Judge David Cybulski.

Defense attorney Christopher White asked for a bond reduction. He noted that the plea agreement calls for a sentence of five years with three years suspended with the Department of Corrections. White requested that LaRoche be released in order to put somethings in order such as having his medications refilled.

County attorney Frank A. Piocos argued that the bond should stay at $25,000. He said PSI is being expedited so that LaRoche can be placed in treatment.

Cybulski denied the bond reduction request.