Morsette sentenced to state hospital on pharmacy robbery

Arlene Morsette, who said she hears voices, is in a mental institution for robbing a pharmacy with a BB gun, and, after Friday's sentencing hearing, will continue to be there for at least more three years.

Morsette appeared in Hill County District Court Friday morning via Judicial Video Network from Montana State Hospital in Warm Springs. She received 20 years, with 15 suspended. Morsette will serve five years in the state hospital, during which she will receive mental health treatment. She received credit for 571 days already served.

The recurring theme throughout both of Morsette's cases was her "diminished mental state."

The first case, a drug possession case filed while she was awaiting court proceedings in the robbery, was presided over by Hill County District Court Judge Daniel Boucher. The second was presided over by Judge David Cybulski from Plentywood via the video network.

Morsette faced robbery charges after she was arrested for robbing at gunpoint Western Pharmacy on 5th Avenue in Havre July 20, 2014.

The city was put on alert and Hill County Courthouse and other businesses went on a lockdown.

Authorities said she made off with more than 6,000 pills including Hydrocodone, Oxycodone, Ambien, Xanax and about $400 in cash.

She was apprehended the next day in a room at the Budget Inn where she was selling drugs in the same room where her 4-month old child was.

In court Friday, Public Defender Paul Neal argued with Hill County Attorney Gina Dahl over the severity of Morsette's mental illness. Dahl said that Morsette had gotten better since being in the hospital.

Probation and Parole Officer Katie Kuhr testified that Morsette's mental health had deteriorated and "is now only partially controlled." Neal said that Morsette's state was "significantly deteriorated."

Cybulski asked Morsette what she had to say.

Morsette told the court: "I hear voices, and it's hard to do daily activities."

The restitution number being discussed was $4,866.97, which prompted Morsette to say, "That's only one more thing to worry about."

Ultimately, Cybulski ordered that Morsette pay only $800 over a span of 15 years.

Morsette expressed her desire to get her four children back when she got out.

"I just don't know how I am going to do that," she added.

Before receiving her sentence, Morsette apologized for the lives she affected with her poor "life choices."

Cybulski told Morsette his aim, when handing out sentences, was to figure out something that would help the defender to "have a good life."

He did tell Morsette that if she were to misbehave again, things would not go as well for her..

Lastly, Cybulski told Morsette: "Put an effort in taking care of yourself."