Galaviz Makes Not Guilty Pleas To Charges

Amos Ryker Galaviz made not guilty pleas to four charges during his appearance in district court on Wednesday, Feb. 16.

He is facing four charges including one felony charge. The felony charge is criminal possession of dangerous drugs. Misdemeanor charges include negligent endangerment, fleeing or eluding a peace officer and driving with a suspended or revoked license.

After a high speed pursuit in Sheridan and Roosevelt counties, Galaviz was arrested in Culbertson on Thursday, Jan. 6. According to law enforcement, the suspect fled in a vehicle at a high speed from Montana Highway Patrol. Speed was around 100 miles per hour from Reserve to Culbertson.

Galaviz then fled on foot after the vehicle was disabled in Culbertson’s city limits. He broke into a residence and ran out the back door with the occupants yelling the location of the suspect to deputies. After a search, law enforcement found a glass containing a white substance that is suspected to be meth.

The maximum penalties for the felony charge are five years in prison, a $5,000 fine or both.

Trevor Levi Crain made his initial appearance in district court on Wednesday, Feb. 16.

Crain has been charged with assault with a weapon, a felony, and criminal mischief, a misdemeanor. Maximum penalties for the assault with a weapon charge are 20 years in prison, a $50,000 fine or both. Maximum penalties for the criminal mischief charge are six months in jail, a $1,500 fine or both.

An entry of plea hearing has been scheduled for March 1.

Casee Jo Lepper changed her plea to guilty for the charge of criminal distribution of dangerous drugs. During the hearing, Lepper admitted that she distributed meth and fentanyl in Roosevelt County between May 15 and Aug. 7, 2021.

District Judge David J. Cybulski ordered a pre-sentencing investigation for Lepper.