Defendants Change Pleas During Hearings
Change of plea hearings were among the covered items during the day in district court under District Judge Benjamin Fosland on Tuesday, March 25.
Patrick Leroy Gustafson changed his plea to guilty for DUI, second offense, and driving while license is suspended or revoked. Based on a plea agreement, Fosland sentenced Gustafson to one year in the county jail with all but 30 days suspended and fined him $2,400 with $1,000 suspended for the DUI offense. Gustafson was sentenced to six months in jail with all but 20 days suspended and fined $200 for the license offense. The sentences are to run concurrently. He is allowed to serve his sentences during weekends. He has credit for 14 days of time served.
Ethan Gregory Pirkle changed his plea to guilty for partner or family member assault. Based on a plea agreement, Fosland sentenced Pirkle to six months in the county jail, with all time suspended but one day, and fined him $500, all suspended. Pirkle is required to complete counseling.
Bruce Shane Walter made a guilty plea to the amended charge of criminal endangerment. Fosland ordered a pre sentencing investigation.
Jesus Alan Avitia also had a change of plea hearing, but Avitia requested copies of discovery for the case before possibly changing his plea for possession of illegal drugs. A hearing was scheduled for 10:30 a.m. on April 15.
Mada Martell Bergie made her initial appearance in a petition to revoke hearing. She is accused of breaking the requirements of her probation because her whereabouts were unknown or she failed to check in with her probation officer. A hearing was scheduled for April 16.
John David Panasuk denied four allegations of violating his probation requirements. The allegations include not being employed or enrolled in a program, traveling outside of the district without permission, lying to his probation officer and living in a residence outside the state. An adjudication hearing was scheduled for April 16.
Esequiel Erick Robles made not guilty pleas to the charges of possession of dangerous drugs, possession of drug paraphernalia and driving with a suspended or revoked license. An omnibus hearing was scheduled for April 29.
