By Alan Sorensen
Four suspects pleaded guilty to crimes in 12th Judicial District Court within the past week.
Ronald James Fox, 39, Havre, pleaded guilty March 29 to fifth offense driving under the influence of alcohol and misdemeanor negligent vehicular assault. The charges stemmed from an incident at Box Elder Nov. 20, 2000 in which Fox drove into the side of a Rocky Boy Police Department car.
A pre-sentence investigation was ordered and his sentencing was set for 10 a.m. May 7.
The maximum penalty for the DUI offense is six months to 13 months in prison, a fine between $1,000 and $10,000, probation for one to four years, and a $20 prosecution fee, $15 domestic violence fee and $5 surcharge. The misdemeanor carries between two days and six months in jail and up to a $500 fine plus $15 prosecution fee and $5 surcharge.
Esequell P. "Pepe" Velasquez, 22, Havre, pleaded guilty March 29 to two counts of misdemeanor assault and was given one six-month suspended sentence and a six month sentence with all but 30 days suspended. Velasquez was given credit for six days served and ordered to pay all fees and surcharges. The charge arose from an incident in the early morning hours of Oct. 1, 2000 in the 600 block alley of Second Street.
Scott Allen Mecklenburg, 20, Havre, pleaded guilty March 30 to forgery by common scheme. He was given a two-year deferred imposition of sentence with standard conditions. Mecklenburg also was ordered to enter and complete chemical dependency treatment and pay $653.96 restitution plus fees and surcharges. Mecklenburg admitted that he wrote and cashed the checks between Jan. 1 and Jan. 18, 2001.
Jennifer Lynn Chiefstick, 26, Box Elder, pleaded guilty April 2 to assault with a weapon. On Feb. 17, 2001, Chiefstick struck another woman in the head with a beer bottle at a bar in the 600 block of First Street. A pre-sentence investigation was ordered and sentencing was set for 10 a.m. May 7.
The maximum sentence for felony assault is 20 years in prison and a $50,000 plus a $20 prosecution fee, $10 domestic violence fee and $5 surcharge.
