Esparza Sentenced For Charges

Herman Munoz Esparza was sentenced for four different charges during a hearing in district court on Tuesday, Jan. 25.

Esparza originally faced 11 charges including three felonies after a vehicle chase that went from Wolf Point to Valley County on Aug. 27, 2021.

Based on the recommendation of a plea agreement, District Judge David J. Cybulski sentenced Esparza to six years, none suspended, with the Department of Corrections and fined $1,000 for criminal possession of dangerous drugs (meth) with the intent to distribute.

Esparza was also sentenced to five years and fined $1,000 for criminal possession of dangerous drugs, five years and fined $1,850 for use or possession of property subject to criminal forfeiture and sentenced to five years and fined $1,000 for criminal endangerment.

Because the sentences are to run concurrently, Cybulski said Esparza could face up to six years with the Department of Corrections.

Two individuals changed their pleas in district court on Jan. 25.

Jessica Lee Smith changed her plea to guilty for the charge of criminal distribution of dangerous drugs by accountability.

She admitted that on July 31, 2021, in Roosevelt County, she was aware of the sale of meth by another individual was taking place in her vehicle.

Based on a plea agreement, Smith received a two-year deferred sentence.

Cybulski noted that a plea agreement is a double-edge sword. If a person behaves during the deferred sentence time period, the offense is off her record.

“If you don’t do well, life can get really bad, really fast,” the judge said.

Amaris Mariscal Walking Eagle, changed her plea to guilty for criminal possession of dangerous drugs. She admitted that she was in Poplar on Nov. 7, 2021, and when she had interaction with a law enforcement officer, fentanyl pills were found in her possession.

After a pre-sentencing investigation, the sentencing for Walking Eagle will take place on March 16.