Elderly man fails drug test while out on bond
An elderly man kept his head bowed when appearing in District Court last week for failing a drug test.
Maynard Peltier, 61, of Cortez was arrested and charged on March 12, with possession of a controlled substance with intent to distribute, possession of a controlled substance and possession of drug paraphernalia.
Out of custody on a $2,500 bond, Peltier appeared before Chief District Court Judge Doug Walker on Tuesday, April 22, for violating a stipulation for failing a drug test on April 10. A bond hearing was scheduled for May 8.
Authorities allege that Peltier possessed 8 grams of methamphetamine after a traffic stop on U.S. 160 near Woody’s Convenience Store on the night in question. Colorado State Patrol initiated the traffic stop for an improper turn.
Records show a Cortez Police Department drug task force agent requested CSP to detain the defendant until a K-9 unit could arrive on scene. Records show Peltier denied authorities permission to search his vehicle.
A “free air sniff” was conducted despite the defendant’s objection, and the K-9 unit alerted on the passenger door of the vehicle, providing authorities with probable cause to search the vehicle, according to court records.
In addition to methamphetamines, authorities also seized $1,000 in cash, a ledger with dollar amounts, a meth pipe, digital scales, a spoon and multiple cell phones, according to court records.
Dolores man faces trial in assault case
Armando Paredes pleaded not guilty last week to a charge of third-degree assault. A three-day jury trial date was scheduled Sept. 3.
According to court records, the 20-year-old Dolores man was arrested on Oct. 28, 2013, and charged with a felony count of third-degree assault on an at-risk victim, and two related misdemeanor offenses. Paredes was in custody serving a sentence on an unrelated juvenile charge when he appeared before Walker on Tuesday, April 22.
Officials said the assault charge resulted when an elderly man unintentionally ran over the defendant’s dog. Officials said when the driver stopped to apologize, the defendant became angry and started beating the victim.
Court records reveal the victim is owed $642 in restitution.
Dolores man pleads guilty to second-degree burglary
A Dolores man pleaded guilty last week to second-degree burglary. The plea deal includes a 60-day capped jail term.
Charged with four felony second-degree burglary charges, a felony count for criminal mischief and a related misdemeanor offense, Mark Williams, 41, pleaded guilty Tuesday, April 22, to a lone Class 4 felony count of second-degree burglary. The charge carries a maximum 12-year prison term.
Walker informed Williams the court was not bound by the terms of the plea agreement. Williams will be sentenced on June 12.
It’s alleged that Williams and two co-defendants stole more than $20,000 in computer equipment, firearms, Native American artifacts and hunting equipment.
In February, a victim testified that a fourth of his stolen property, including priceless traditional jewelry and up to 15 firearms, remained missing.
The plea deal stipulates all other charges against Williams will be dismissed.
tbaker@cortezjournal.com