Courts

Stories by Jeff Smith of Anderson Broadcasting for the Valley Journal

Irvine pleads not guilty to criminal mischief

POLSON — A Ronan man is accused of causing thousands of dollars in property damage by slashing the tires to over 40 vehicles in Ronan. Clint Headress Irvine, 30, entered a plea of not guilty at District Court in Polson on June 22 to felony criminal mischief.

According to court records, on June 7, Ronan police took numerous reports of tires being slashed as they were parked in front of various businesses. Video surveillance at some of the businesses showed the suspect wearing a gray hooded sweatshirt and dark pants. Staff at a Ronan tavern recognized the suspect as Irvine. Irvine had to be kicked out of the tavern earlier and was allegedly wearing the same clothing as the suspect seen in the video surveillance. Irvine was later located and arrested. He initially admitted to slashing tires, then took the admission back. Irvine had an injury to his hand consistent with a tire blowing up. Investigating officers observed blood at the location of two slashed tires. Broken knife parts were located at another site. In all, at least 41 tires were slashed on June 7. The replacement cost was estimated at more than $7,500.

Judge Molly Owen set the case for trial Dec. 5. Irvine remains in the Lake County jail with bail set at $10,000.

Clint Irvine

Hoskinson to pay restitution

POLSON — The imposition of sentencing was deferred for six years for a St. Ignatius woman after she entered an Alford plea to one count of felony exploitation of an older or disabled person. The sentence for Shara Darlene Hoskinson, 45, was handed down at District Court in Polson on June 23 by Judge Karen Townsend who is filling in for Judge Deborah “Kim” Christopher.

In an Alford plea, a defendant concedes the case based on state’s evidence. It carries the same outcome as a guilty plea.

According to court records, on July 22, 2021, an investigation into identity theft and exploitation of an older person began when the alleged victim suspected someone was stealing money out of her bank account. Hoskinson was supposed to be paying bills for the alleged victim but instead used some of the money for personal expenses.

Judge Townsend also ordered Hoskinson to pay restitution of $17,025.

Sharla Hoskinson

Fisher pleads not guilty to possession

POLSON — A Pablo man is accused of dealing the dangerous drug fentanyl in Lake County. Sheldon Anfernee Mykal Fisher, 29, entered a plea of not guilty at District Court in Polson on June 22 to criminal possession with intent to distribute.

According to court records, on June 1, drug agents received information that Fisher was headed to a residence to possibly sell fentanyl. The agents observed Fisher arrive at the location wearing a black backpack and enter the residence. The agents knocked on the door shortly thereafter. A person who answered indicated that Fisher was there and got him to come to the door. Fisher was arrested on an outstanding warrant. The backpack was located hidden under a bed in the home. Inside the backpack the agents found 1,650 fentanyl pills.

Judge Molly Owen set a trial date of Dec. 5. Fisher is facing two other trials on Dec. 5, one for a simple drug possession charge involving meth, the other involves a burglary charge from November 2021.

Krump pleads not guilty to intimidation

POLSON — A Polson man is accused of threatening employees of a Polson bank and attempting to deposit a suspected fraudulent check. Joshua Jay Krump, 44, entered a plea of not guilty to felony charges of intimidation and issuing a bad check at District Court in Polson on June 23.

According to court records, prior to Dec. 8, 2021, Krump had attempted to deposit a check in the amount of $2,400, but a clerk at the bank refused to honor the check suspecting it was fraudulent. Then on Dec. 8, 2021, Krump attempted to cash a check in the amount of $3,500. This check was also denied on suspicion that it was fraudulent. Krump then is alleged to have gone to another branch of the same bank and attempted to cash the suspect check.

Krump then went to another branch of the bank to reopen the account only to have it suspended again. Krump allegedly tried calling the bank in an attempt to close the account over the phone. The charging documents indicate that Krump talked with three separate employees at least 10 times. Krump was told repeatedly he could not close the account over the phone, and it must be done in person. Krump is then alleged to have cursed at the employee(s) while calling them names. Krump is quoted in the charging documents as saying, “How about I go into the branch and shoot you in the face?” As a result, all three branches were closed, and law enforcement escorted bank employees to their vehicles that day. The employees received another law enforcement escort from their vehicles back to their jobs the following morning.

Also on Dec. 9, 2021, Krump is alleged to have called the Chief of the Polson Police Department, Wade Nash, and issued another threat that included an expletive and racial slur. When questioned by law enforcement, Krump admitted to attempting to cash a check in the amount of $3,500 but denied issuing any threats or using profanity.

Judge Karen Townsend of Missoula set a trial date of Oct. 11.

Joshua Krump

New flags installed before 4th of July

PHOTOS COURTESY OF FLATHEAD LAKE HERB Members of the Raven Hall Motorcycle Club retire an old U.S. flag and replace it with a new one at Flathead Lake Herb. Club members provided the same service to many other busineses and individuals in Polson prior to the 4th of July holiday.

Left: Raven Hall members stand for a photo with Flathead Lake Herb propietor Cori Monatukwa, who says he appreciates the groups efforts. The upcoming holiday he added, also marks his business’s one year anniversary.

Serving Lake County since 1923

Attention lenders: Consider having your title work done by friendly professionals at a locally owned and operated title company that has stood the test of time! We offer complete, reliable title services in our conveniently located office in downtown Polson.

We appreciate the opportunity to serve you and your clients!

Montana Land Title Association and American Land Title Association Member

Lake County Abstract & Title Co.

314 First Street East • Suite 101 Polson, Montana 59860 (406) 883-6226

www.lctitles.com