Suspect claims self-defense
A man involved in a knife fight on Friday the 13th claims he acted in self-defense. A jury trial has been set for Aug. 3.
In custody at an arraignment hearing last week, Robert Espinoza, 45, of Cortez, pleaded not guilty to assault charges stemming from an alleged stabbing incident that occurred on March 13. According to police, Espinoza allegedly cut a 30-year-old man’s face and stabbed him in the back.
Public defender Whitney Smith said her client acted in self-defense after he suffered a knife wound to his shoulder. She also successfully argued to have Espinoza’s bond reduced from $50,000 to $1,500 with a stipulation that he be monitored by a GPS system.
Prosecutors said Espinoza faces up to 30 years in prison.
The charges resulted after a card game was interrupted at a residence on the 100 block of S. Washington Street.
Man pleads guilty in impersonation, DUI
A 24-year-old Towaoc man has pleaded guilty to criminal impersonation and DUI charges.
In custody since his arrest on Jan. 20, Shane Ketchum could receive up to two years in a halfway house with credit for time served when sentenced on July 19. Defense attorney Rae Randolph said her client was actively seeking an in-patient treatment center.
Court records reveal that Ketchum was arrested by the Colorado State Patrol and charged with violating bond conditions, criminal impersonation, obstruction, DUI and other traffic violations.
Woman takes plea deal in drug case
After skipping court on a 2014 drug charge, a 32-year-old woman has pleaded guilty to unlawful use of a controlled substance.
In custody at an arraignment last week, Ana Sena, address unknown, agreed to serve two years of supervised probation on the misdemeanor drug charge as part of a plea deal. She’ll be sentenced on July 9.
Public defender Ken Pace successfully argued to have his client’s $10,000 bond reduced to $1,000 with a stipulation that Sena submit to drug testing and treatment while out of custody. She was arrested on May 5.
The charges against Sena were filed after a U.S. 160 traffic stop on March 31, 2014. Meth was reportedly found in the vehicle, and both Sena and a co-defendant were charged with distribution and possession charges.
Prosecutors remain unsure if additional charges will be filed against Sena after she and other female inmates tested positive for meth use inside the county jail on Mother’s Day.
Tardy felon avoids bench warrant
A 23-year-old Cortez man narrowly avoided receiving a bench warrant last week after arriving late for court.
Maurice Nat wasn’t present in the courtroom when his case was called, but defense attorney Kelly McCabe successfully argued to have the case postponed for an hour. Moments after the judge left the bench, Nat appeared, telling McCabe that he was running late.
Out of custody on a $500 bond, Nat subsequently pleaded not guilty to two weapons charges during arraignment. A jury trial was set for July 6.
A convicted felon, Nat also faces charges that he violated a protection order after allegedly holding a woman against her will on Jan. 10.
Teen sentenced for driving while high
A Cortez teenager was placed on two years probation last week after admitting that he caused a vehicle accident while driving high on marijuana.
Appearing out of custody, Orlando Arviso, 19, received the probationary term as part of deferred judgment plea deal on careless driving and DUI charges. He was also ordered to obtain a GED, submit to random alcohol and drug testing and complete 48 hours of community service.
Defense attorney Kelly McCabe said his client was remorseful for causing the head-on collision with a 70-year-old driver along U.S. 160 in April 2014. Two passengers were seriously injured, including one that had to be airlifted from the scene for a spinal injury.
McCabe said that Arviso was a daily heavy marijuana user before the accident, but he has since avoided pot, which is legal for adults 21 and over. McCabe added that poor road conditions contributed to the accident, and that his client was only tested for marijuana after admitting to authorities that he smoked the night before.
Woman gets prison on weapons charge
A Bayfield woman hopes a 12-month prison term will help her to overcome a drug addiction.
Arrica Yarborough, 25, received the sentence last week. Public defender Ken Pace said his client wanted to go to jail, because it would guarantee her sobriety. He added she had a lifelong drug addition.
District Attorney Will Furse said Yarborough was an anti-social woman incapable of following the law and that she posed a maximum risk to the community. Once released, Yarborough will re-offend, Furse added.
Given credit for 55 days served in county jail, Yarborough still faces pending charges in La Plata County. Felony drug, weapon and impersonation charges stemming from a March 25 incident were dismissed.
Driver sentenced in vehicular assault case
A 20-year-old Towaoc woman was sentenced to drug court last week in connection to a motor vehicle accident.
As part of a deferred judgment plea deal, Keaeira Cuthair was sentenced to 90 days in jail with credit for time served. Incarcerated for 127 days, Cuthair will remain in custody due to a warrant pending on unknown charges from Ute Mountain Ute authorities.
Cuthair was also placed on 24 months of supervised probation, ordered to complete 60 hours of community service, seek drug treatment and submit to random testing while enrolled in drug court.
In March, Cuthair pleaded guilty to felony vehicular assault and misdemeanor DUI and child abuse charges. She was arrested after rear-ending a vehicle near the intersection of Main and Chestnut streets on Sept. 4, 2014. Minor injuries were reported.
Police said Cuthair was “hitting duster” when she passed out at the wheel with a 6-month-old infant inside her vehicle.
Rock attack caught by security camera
A 28-year-old Cortez man will serve 90 days in jail before enrolling in drug court after attacking a man with a rock.
Appearing for sentencing while out of custody last week, Christopher Bryan was remanded to the Montezuma County jail after receiving the 90-day sentencing. He was also ordered to 24 months of supervised probation, 60 hours of community service, outpatient treatment and random drug testing.
Security footage revealed that Bryan was walking away from the scene of an altercation when he threw a rock at the alleged victim. A defender said Bryan acted in self-defense.
In March, Bryan pleaded guilty to felony menacing in connection to the assault on Dec. 28, 2014.
The Cortez Journal