Not guilty plea in burglary case

Appearing before Judge Deborah "Kim" Christopher last Tuesday, July 19, John Hannan entered a not guilty plea to one felony count of burglary. Per the charging documents, on December 13, 2021, deputies responded to a burglary in progress at a residence near Trout Creek. The reporting party was house sitting for a friend when the homeowner’s dogs began barking in the bedroom. Upon going to check on the dogs, the housesitter saw Hannan, a neighbor, standing in the bedroom with a crowbar and dressed in dark clothing. Hannan raised the crowbar threateningly while telling the housesitter to leave, documents state. As alleged in the filings, upon the homeowner’s return, it was confirmed that a rifle was missing from the bedroom. A review of security footage showed Hannan leaving the residence with said rifle. A jury trial was set for December 5, 2022.

Kurt Lamarr was sentenced to five years at the Montana State Prison, with two years suspended, for a felony count of aggravated assault. Lamarr was remanded to the sheriff’s office for transport to the prison.

Also on July 19, Jeriko Smith-Roach appeared for sentencing on a felony count of sexual intercourse without consent. Going into this hearing, the state, Smith-Roach, and defense counsel Britt Cotter had entered into a plea agreement where the parties had not agreed to a recommended sentence. Judge Christopher heard lengthy testimony from witnesses called by both sides, including Smith-Roach’s current therapist, a probation and parole officer, and a detective from the sheriff’s office. The victim’s father read an impact statement addressing the impact of the incident upon his minor daughter, their family, and his frustration with how the investigation was handled by law enforcement.

“There is no way in my heart or in my mind that I can express the anger, frustration, sorrow, or hurt that my family has suffered due to this crime,” the victim’s father said. “There are no words or even sentences that can take away the sleepless nights, anxiety, or harm that the defendant has caused.” After considering the testimony presented, including the steps and progress Smith-Roach has taken since his release last summer, as well as three alleged additional assaults prior to the instant offense, Judge Christopher sentenced Smith-Roach to the Department of Corrections for eight years, with five years suspended and credit for 477 days time served, with the requirement to register as a Tier 1 sex offender.