Woman pleads not guilty to drug charge

Dorissa Angel Jule Garza appeared before Judge Deborah Kim Christopher for her arraignment on Tuesday, pleading not guilty to one felony count of criminal possession of dangerous drugs. The jury trial was set for September 18, 2023.

According to the charging documents, on March 27, Deputy Devin Wegener conducted a traffic stop near Dixon when a driver did not dim their headlights. Initially, the passenger of the vehicle lied about her name, but was later identified as Garza. Upon Deputy Wegener requesting the registration and insurance for the vehicle, Garza exited the vehicle to retrieve the registration from an envelope in the trunk area. Garza, while reaching into the envelope, pulled out part of a syringe. Deputy Wegener found four syringes within the envelope. After being granted permission to search, an open bottle of Crown Royal whiskey and a roll of tin foil were located in the glove box on the passenger side. Deputy Wegener learned that Garza had an active warrant for drug possession and the vehicle was returning from Spokane. A search of the vehicle was completed after a search warrant was obtained, with officers finding another syringe, six pipes, multiple pieces of foil with burned narcotics residue, half a pill and two baggies of meth, according to court documents.

Appearing for sentencing, Steven Douglas Grimm was sentenced according to the amended plea agreement reached by the parties, which had Grimm plead guilty to two counts of criminal endangerment. There was significant discussion between the parties prior to sentencing, with Judge Christopher expressing her reservations. Grimm’s attorney, Nathan Hulling, emphasized the positive steps Grimm has taken following the charges, including in-patient treatment and additional classes that begin later this week, and expressed his confidence in Grimm being able to succeed moving forward. Grimm was sentenced to a three-year deferred imposition of sentence with 33 days in the Sanders County Jail, and credit for 33 days of time served.

Shawn M. Roewer came before the court for sentencing, pursuant to a plea agreement between the parties. Judge Christopher sentenced Roewer to a total commitment of 10 years to the Department of Corrections, with five years suspended, and credit for time served of 130 days. Roewer will also pay a net fine of $5,500 to the Sanders County Drug Fund, along with the standard court fees.