From the Courts: State District Court - Russette sentenced to probation on drug charge

Jacob Wayne Russette was sentenced to three years probation on a possession of methamphetamine charge.

Russette was charged with a felony count of criminal possession of dangerous drugs and a misdemeanor count of theft after Hill County Sheriff’s deputies responded to assist Rocky Boy police on a call that they were pursuing a vehicle reported stolen in Havre traveling at speeds up to 100 mph.

A deputy stopped the vehicle and upon searching it discovered a bindle of meth.

March 6, Russette pleaded guilty to the drug charge but maintained his innocence in the theft charge, which was a misdemeanor because the vehicle was valued at less than $1,500.

The prosecution moved to drop the theft charge.

May 3, District Judge Elizabeth Best imposed a three-year deferred imposition of sentence on Russette, with credit for 96 days served and dismissed the misdemeanor.

Under a deferred imposition of sentence, if the person abides by all conditions of his release on the deferred imposition, he can petition to have the charge struck from his record.

A petition to revoke Russette’s deferred imposition of sentence was filed Tuesday on allegations that Russette left the area without permission and was arrested in Billings on charges of theft and possession of marijuana.