Dad pistol-whips daughter’s fiancé
A father and daughter from Dolores were arrested in September after the man was accused of pistol-whipping the woman’s fiancé.
Wayne Williford, 53, was charged with menacing and third-degree assault. His daughter, Whitney Williford, 24, was charged with assault, resisting arrest, obstruction and domestic violence.
Out of custody on a $2,500 bond, Wayne Williford pleaded not guilty to all charges this week. A jury trial was set for April.
According to court records, Wayne Williford threatened to assault his daughter. While trying to defend his fiancé, the victim was then reportedly held at gunpoint and then struck in the mouth with a handgun by Wayne Williford. A weapon was never recovered, according to reports.
Whitney Williford pleaded guilty to obstruction in October, and was sentenced to 20 hours of community service. In a written apology to the court, she said her behavior on the date in question was regrettable.
Woman faces charges after email threats
A 32-year-old pregnant woman from Dolores has been charged with sending threatening emails to an former lover.
Catrina Prairie faces charges of intimidating a witness or victim and violating a protection order from an incident that occurred in October. The protection order was granted after a domestic violence clash in August.
Court records allege the defendant sent multiple emails to the victim, stating, “I should have done more than beat your (expletive). And if I ever get the chance I will. Watch your back (expletive).”
Public Defender Kenneth Pace told the court this week that an ongoing investigation would result in the dismissal of charges. The case was continued until January.
Alleged assault crimes recorded
In an unrelated case, a Montezuma County man faces 15 felony and misdemeanor charges stemming from a physically and sexually abusive relationship.
Allen Dietz, 56, of County Road 26, pleaded not guilty to all charges at his arraignment this week. A weeklong jury trial on charges of assault, menacing, sexual assault, false imprisonment and harassment was set for May 4, 2015.
According to court records, the defendant apparently threatened the alleged victim with physical abuse to engage in sex throughout the couple’s three-year relationship. Authorities documented that the alleged victim made audio recordings from some of the reported incidents.
Public defenders have indicated they were likely to file evidentiary and suppression motions.
tbaker@cortezjournal.com