Drugs charges net DOC sentence

Bailey Lake of Thompson Falls was sentenced to 15 years with the Department of Corrections on Tuesday, with 10 years suspended. Lake appeared in the 20th Judicial District Court facing numerous felony charges. Of the eight felonies, Lake was only sentenced on three of them, including criminal possession of dangerous drugs, criminal production of dangerous drugs and operation of an unlawful clandestine laboratory. All other charges were dismissed as per the plea agreement. Lake was also directed to enter a drug rehabilitation program, register as a violent offender and pay $1,000 to the Sanders County Drug Fund.

Also to appear in court for final sentencing was Elizabeth Riffle, who was charged with two felonies of theft and the unlawful use of a computer. According to the court documents, Riffle stole a large sum of money over the course of several years from various companies owned by her employer. The employers alleged that she did this through a central computer that was located at a business in Thompson Falls. The theft was reportedly discovered on April 27, 2020.

The last time Riffle appeared in court there was disagreement between the defense and prosecution about the total reparation cost defined in the plea agreement. County Attorney Naomi Leisz called business owner Barbara Mosher to testify and give a statement Tuesday. In the statement, Mosher explained the long process that was required by the Moshers to uncover the extent of the damage and theft. Mosher ended her statement explaining that were Riffle to be employed in such a position again with access to confidential account information, “I believe she would do it again.” The Moshers and county attorney also submitted information that the total loss should be estimated at more than $47,000. However, the final decision of the court had to be that the plea agreement would stand, as both parties had already entered and signed into it. Riffle was given a three-year deferred sentence and was required to pay reparations of $5,000 in addition to other fees. Judge Deborah “Kim” Christopher reinforced a condition of the agreement aloud, explaining that Riffle will not be allowed to gain employment in any position similar to the one she had at the business owned by the Moshers, including any position with access to secure accounting.

Jake Weickowski pleaded guilty to two felony charges, including criminal possession of dangerous drugs and criminal possession of drug paraphernalia. According to charging documents, Weickowski was arrested on a warrant and the drugs and drug paraphernalia were found on his person. His sentencing has been set for April 5.