Individuals Deliver Not Guilty Pleas In Drug Case Hearings
Two individuals from Colorado made their initial appearances on drug related charges in district court on Tuesday, Feb. 25.
Natasha Moncivaiz, 35, made not guilty pleas for the two counts of criminal possession of dangerous drugs with intent to distribute. If conviction, maximum penalties are 20 years in the state prison, a $50,000 fine or both.
She also made not guilty pleas for the alternate counts of possession of dangerous drugs. Maximum penalties for each count is a sentence of five years, a $5,000 fine or both.
An omnibus hearing was scheduled for March 25.
A bond reduction was sought for Moncivaiz, who had a bond of $30,000. Public defender Mark Epperson asked for a bond reduction to $20,000. Moncivaiz said she lives in Pueblo, Colo., and her three children are currently being taken care of by her 80-year-old grandmother.
County Attorney Thomas Bleicher opposed the request. He noted that Moncivaiz has no ties to the community, no job and is a “horrible drug addict.” Bleicher said no bond reduction is best for the safety of society and herself at this point.
Judge Benjamin Fosland reduced the bond, but only to $25,000. “Quite honestly, I’m not convinced that you won’t skip out of the charge,” he said. Moncivaiz replied, “I understand.”
Jesus Avitia, 32, of Aurora, Colo., made not guilty pleas to two counts of criminal possession of dangerous drugs. An omnibus hearing was set for March 25, and a trial was scheduled for May 15. He didn’t request a bond reduction.
In another hearing, Victoria Renee Clark is still awaiting extradition to Utah. Bleicher reported the process was delayed due to illnesses with Utah law enforcement officials. They said, however, they will pick up Clark on March 8 or March 9.
Public defender Sandi O’Brien asked that Clark be released to travel to Utah on her own because the 30day time period was broken. Fosland extended the deadline for extradition through March 9.
Kristy Daugherty had her dispositional hearing for a violation of parole. The state’s recommendation was to have Daugherty have a five-year commitment with the Department of Corrections to determine the best path for her. She testified that she has been employed and has been taking care of her children.
Judge Fosland’s ruling was a seven-year suspended sentence for Daugherty. She will be given credit for about five and a half years of time served. She must be enrolled in a chemical dependency program and follow the recommendations.
“I’m going to give you a shot,” Fosland said.
Whitley Raquel Arredondo Adams was scheduled for sentencing, but she was permitted to have two more weeks in order to hire a different attorney.
