Notice: Undefined index: HTTP_REFERER in /home/stparch/public_html/headmid_temp_main.php on line 4394
Newspaper Archive of
Shelton Mason County Journal
Shelton, Washington
February 18, 1999     Shelton Mason County Journal
PAGE 11     (11 of 30 available)        PREVIOUS     NEXT      Jumbo Image    Save To Scrapbook    Set Notifiers    PDF    JPG
 
PAGE 11     (11 of 30 available)        PREVIOUS     NEXT      Jumbo Image    Save To Scrapbook    Set Notifiers    PDF    JPG
February 18, 1999
 
Newspaper Archive of Shelton Mason County Journal produced by SmallTownPapers, Inc.
Website Β© 2025. All content copyrighted. Copyright Information
Terms Of Use | Privacy Policy | Request Content Removal | About / FAQ | Get Acrobat Reader




A prison odyssey, continued By STEVE PATCH inquisitors had to know already that the murder he committed and the voices in his head had nothing to do with each other. Otherwise, surely - or so he had thought - they would have been utterly stupefied when they learned his mental illness never once was used as a defense, in court or out of it. Alas, though, if Ernie Moy con- vinced his lawyer that he wasn't a short circuit shy of mayhem, back in 1977, he certainly hasn't convinced the parole board in the 22 years since. Not last summer, surely, when the board denied him his long- awaited parole. And apparently not now, either. hat can I do for you today?" The voice in the telephone earpiece was that of Kathryn "Kit" Bail, head of the parole board and object of Journal phone-calling persistence going '...people who are mentally ill are also, in our opinion, judgments based on mental health ? "Well, I wouldn't argue with you on that," said Bail. "But what you're saying in the article is that we keep people in prison because they are mentally ill. And it de- pends on how you frame it. "We have made decisions to not release - and the statute says you may not release - because people who are mentally ill are also, in our opinion, dangerous, and have demonstrated that be- havior. "But the assumption that we keep them in prison because they are mentally ill is incorrect." AS FOR ERNIE specifically, though: Isn't it true there's never been any link between his mental illness and his violent act? dangerous.' Convicted murderer Ernie Moy prosecutor's desk speaks of or mental illness." even implies such a link, Bail The parole board chairwoman again turned tothe board's more paused long enough to vent a generic Imperative. frustrated but vaguely empathet- back nearly two months. Faxing her copies of the first "If you murder somebody," ic sigh. two installments of Ernie's re- she said, "and you're actively Tou know? she mused, voice sumed Journal series apparently mentally ill - and by actively softer than before, "I don't wanna had its desired effect, because mentally ill I mean that you be- keep this guy in prison forever. Bail phoned personally within have in bizarre ways, you report But he is a murderer. half an hour of the fax going out. being told to do certain things by "And before I would sign my Did you read what I sent you? voices, you report having halluci, 'Kit Bail' on a release for him I "Uh-huh," said the parole nations: and not being in control have to be reasonably assured, in board chief, of your own will, and you murder my own heart, that he's not Aren't you getting into a diffi, somebody- you know, it's not a dangerous." cult area when you're making .... leap to believe that it is highly ALAS, IF THIS' means'she's commit and your mental illness., inmate advocates alike, added BUT ERNIE CLAIM8 he act, Bail, so be it. ongoing but in .fact ] "Well," said Bait, ,I'm not sure that I could prove to you it was, Prove. Or that you could prove to me it wasn't - I mean, when • you put factual information on the you O n I thz k hat "But there's a direct link," table, which is he m ' h " " said Bail. He was allucmatmg - according actively mentally ill at the time of dealt with: him the murder." the crime and sentencin :dered at st: decisions about other people's she observed, "you: can't vec you; I mean, gee illness and there? reports that at the time of the "Well, I have to go back in crime the file," said Bail. "But it's my hearin recollection that the prosecutor's him to do statement in the original crime talked about that link." the violence, was crime - as evidenced by his own like Ernie in so: we -im to who knows me and works:in: the the Journal has :seen from "Well Y said pouc Bail. "But, I mean, how  leap that IS it? And I'm not saying that timei they did, and I'm not saying . , agency down.  his murder was caused by his : So, no, i dent have any I mnot mental illness, investment in keeping Ernie in . ter- prison. I have an investment in AND our j sure a who - how: manyyears his murder WAS caused likely:.: Ernie not hurting other people or to do himsel£ You know?" (Next: the words that con. ttnue to convict Ernie - and the parole board's 0n- voncern.) crime - actively AND WHAT OF the board's illness. Lth • or • , We!l, think that misses the point, "I think: the point is that there's:inconsistent information:- titution, but als0 thisguy • • :: In prison 'And that's ormal ...... for somebody who suffers from Court accepts pleas in cases of burglary, assault and theft Several cases originally sched- uled to go to trial this month be- came plea changes last week in Mason County Superior Court. They included: • Kenneth Mike Green, 25, of 390 SE T'Peeksin Lane, Shel- ton, who was arrested December 30 after a residential burglary was reported in the Mountain View area. Green told the court in his plea that he was guilty of entering a residence belonging to Timmy Zumwalt on Olympic Highway North. Green was also charged with possession of a controlled substance after his arrest on the burglary charge. Judge James Sawyer, who accepted the plea, set his sentencing for today. • Ronald Arthur Merritt, 37, of 690 East Colonel Wright Road, Grapeview, entered a guilty plea to a third-degree assault charge through retained attorney Bruce Finlay. Merritt, Finlay noted, would have been charged Superior court roundup: Groome arraigned in molestation case Arraignment was scheduled for today for Eugene Alan Groome, 55, of Shelton, who was identified Wednesday, February 10, in connection with allegations of child molestation in the second degree. He also faces potential charges of indecent liberties, ha- rassment and failing to register as a sex offender Judge James Sawyer, at identi- fication proceedings, appointed Ron Sergi to be his attorney and set bail at $25,000. • On February 11, Judge Saw- yer received diversion papers from Robert M. McGee, 37, of 21 NE Leahy Drive, Tahuya, who entered Friendship's program as an alternative to going to trial and risking a felony conviction. McGee acknowledged that if he doesn't comply with the program, he will be tried before a superior court judge without benefit of wit- nesses or arguments other than the arresting agency's informa- tion. Judge Sawyer set a review of McGee's case for January 27, 2000, shortly before the expira- tion of the year-Icing diversion program's term. • Robert L. Henry, 27, of Vaughn was identified Tuesday after his arrest on a 1997 war- rant. In December of that year he was charged with rape in the sec- ond degree. Judge Sawyer appointed Charles Lane to be his attorney. He set bail at $5,000 and sched- uled his arraignment for today. Judge Sawyer noted that he is now living with his alleged vic- tim. • Timothy Longshore, 31, of 170 North Tribal Center Road was identified Monday in connec- tion with a burglary investiga- tion. Sawyer found probable cause for his arrest and appointed Lane to be his attorney. He was re- leased on personal recognizance. Arraignment was scheduled for February 25. In plea agreement: Fletcher admits he violated order A jury was already seated in Mason County Superior Court February 10 when the defendant they were to try entered a change of plea in a charge involving a fe- lony violation of a no-contact or- der. James Arthur Fletcher, 31, of SE 311 Whitener Road pled guilty to the charge in connection with an incident involving Paula J. Nelson, who according to informa- tion filed in the case was the mother of his 3-year-old child. The incident took place last December 17 at 70 East Pine Park Lane. It obtained felony sta- tus because an assault was in- volved, according to court papers. Deputy Prosecutor Reinhold Schuetz and attorneys for the de- fense negotiated a plea agree- ment shortly after a jury of six was selected and a trial was ready to begin. Defense attorney Larry King pointed out that his client had never committed a felony before. The maximum penalty for felony assault is five years in prison and a $10,000 fine. If Judge James Sawyer, who took the plea, sen- tences under the provisions of the state's first-time offender option Fletcher could get a jail sentence. In the plea bargain, the state has agreed not to seek additional charges that might be pending against Fletcher and the dephty prosecutor indicated willingness to ask Mason County District Court to dismiss assault charges filed by another person. The jurors seated for the case were Sharme Drake, Randel Price, Arthur Burton, Allan Cava- letto, Ruth Clement and Donna Holliday. Judge Sawyer ordered sentencing for April 1. Legislators backing bill to control felons Two state legislators have in- troduced a measure aimed at keeping high-risk offenders under closer supervision once they leave prison. State representatives Kathryn Haigh and Lynn Kessler said last week the proposed Offender Ac- countability Act (House Bill 1252) is essential for protecting commu- nities and keeping offenders on the straight and narrow. The bill directs that offenders be supervised to make sure they're living up to the terms of their release and that they pay the costs of their supervision. The measure has received a public hearing in the House Criminal Justice and Corrections Committee and was due shortly for further action. with additional counts had the matter gone to trial. MERRITT TOLD the court that he entered a residence on East Murray Road on September 28, 1998 and that he panicked and chased John Way with a splitting maul after Way punched him. He conceded that he had left the scene of the immediate con- frontation to get the maul. Although Finlay said his client was ready to continue to sentenc- ing, Judge Sawyer set the sen- tencing for February 25. • Darrell Borst, 19, of 1615 Judd Street SE, Lacey entered a change of plea in a second-degree theft case that stemmed from the theft of a stereo from a vehicle late last fall. He was initially ar- rested in January in the case. Borst, who remains free on pre- viously established conditions, told the court that he and another defendant took property that be- longed to the owner of the vehicle. Judge Sawyer explained to him that he would be assigned joint- and-several responsibility for res- titution, so that if his codefendant failed to repay the owner of the equipment, Borst would have to. He is to be sentenced February 25. ON FEBRUARY 8, one of two cases pending against Steven Leslie Hudson, 43, formerly of 1361 North State Route 106, Shelton, was resolved with an Al- ford plea. Hudson, who pled guilty to charges of residential burglary and second-degree as- sault, indicated he was innocent but felt evidence the state would present might result in a convic- tion by a jury. He was originally charged with the burglary and first-degree as- sault in an incident that involved a fracas with Jesse Davies at 1907 Olympic Highway North. Hudson was hospitalized shortly after the incident, which occurred February 26, 1998, with a ruptured spleen. Sentencing in the case is scheduled for March 25. Still pending is an unrelated robbery case filed after a December 1, 1997 arrest. I IIII * Residential , Commercial K 1714 Olympic Highway North Same-Day Service on Most Glass • Residential Vinyl  Windows • Mirrors  • Contractor's Discounts • Rock Chip Repairs • Auto Glass Specialist can 426-3163 Guaranteed Quality • Monday-Friday 8-5 I Olympic Dental Center • Crowns • Extractions • Bridges • Dentures F. Scudder, DDS 2026 Olympic ttighway North, State 101 432.8379 • Shelton Most insurances and medical coupons accepted ()pen 9 a.m.-5 p.m., Tuesday-Thursday WCC to test weapons on two dates The Washington Corrections Center will hold weapons qualifi- cation from 7:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. February 19 and from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Tuesday, February 23. Those who live within earshot of the shooting range north of Shelton will hear sporadic gunfire during that time. It's nothing to worry about, says WCC Adminis- trative Program Manager Alan Adams. NOW SELLING TOP SOIL! • Black crushed rock * Landscape rock. 3/C and 1'/4" clean rock • Rip rap • Culverts for sale  12", 18" and 24" Right across from Taylor Towne Texaco  Half mile up 2900 Road • WE DELIVER OR YOU HAUL • Special Contractor Discounts WINTER HOURS: 7 a.m.-4 p.m. Monday through Friday, Saturday 8 a,m.-noon Thursday, February 18, 1999 - Shelton-Mason County Journal - Page 19 A prison odyssey, continued By STEVE PATCH inquisitors had to know already that the murder he committed and the voices in his head had nothing to do with each other. Otherwise, surely - or so he had thought - they would have been utterly stupefied when they learned his mental illness never once was used as a defense, in court or out of it. Alas, though, if Ernie Moy con- vinced his lawyer that he wasn't a short circuit shy of mayhem, back in 1977, he certainly hasn't convinced the parole board in the 22 years since. Not last summer, surely, when the board denied him his long- awaited parole. And apparently not now, either. hat can I do for you today?" The voice in the telephone earpiece was that of Kathryn "Kit" Bail, head of the parole board and object of Journal phone-calling persistence going '...people who are mentally ill are also, in our opinion, judgments based on mental health ? "Well, I wouldn't argue with you on that," said Bail. "But what you're saying in the article is that we keep people in prison because they are mentally ill. And it de- pends on how you frame it. "We have made decisions to not release - and the statute says you may not release - because people who are mentally ill are also, in our opinion, dangerous, and have demonstrated that be- havior. "But the assumption that we keep them in prison because they are mentally ill is incorrect." AS FOR ERNIE specifically, though: Isn't it true there's never been any link between his mental illness and his violent act? dangerous.' Convicted murderer Ernie Moy prosecutor's desk speaks of or mental illness." even implies such a link, Bail The parole board chairwoman again turned tothe board's more paused long enough to vent a generic Imperative. frustrated but vaguely empathet- back nearly two months. Faxing her copies of the first "If you murder somebody," ic sigh. two installments of Ernie's re- she said, "and you're actively Tou know? she mused, voice sumed Journal series apparently mentally ill - and by actively softer than before, "I don't wanna had its desired effect, because mentally ill I mean that you be- keep this guy in prison forever. Bail phoned personally within have in bizarre ways, you report But he is a murderer. half an hour of the fax going out. being told to do certain things by "And before I would sign my Did you read what I sent you? voices, you report having halluci, 'Kit Bail' on a release for him I "Uh-huh," said the parole nations: and not being in control have to be reasonably assured, in board chief, of your own will, and you murder my own heart, that he's not Aren't you getting into a diffi, somebody- you know, it's not a dangerous." cult area when you're making .... leap to believe that it is highly ALAS, IF THIS' means'she's commit and your mental illness., inmate advocates alike, added BUT ERNIE CLAIM8 he act, Bail, so be it. ongoing but in .fact ] "Well," said Bait, ,I'm not sure that I could prove to you it was, Prove. Or that you could prove to me it wasn't - I mean, when • you put factual information on the you O n I thz k hat "But there's a direct link," table, which is he m ' h " " said Bail. He was allucmatmg - according actively mentally ill at the time of dealt with: him the murder." the crime and sentencin :dered at st: decisions about other people's she observed, "you: can't vec you; I mean, gee illness and there? reports that at the time of the "Well, I have to go back in crime the file," said Bail. "But it's my hearin recollection that the prosecutor's him to do statement in the original crime talked about that link." the violence, was crime - as evidenced by his own like Ernie in so: we -im to who knows me and works:in: the the Journal has :seen from "Well Y said pouc Bail. "But, I mean, how  leap that IS it? And I'm not saying that timei they did, and I'm not saying . , agency down.  his murder was caused by his : So, no, i dent have any I mnot mental illness, investment in keeping Ernie in . ter- prison. I have an investment in AND our j sure a who - how: manyyears his murder WAS caused likely:.: Ernie not hurting other people or to do himsel£ You know?" (Next: the words that con. ttnue to convict Ernie - and the parole board's 0n- voncern.) crime - actively AND WHAT OF the board's illness. Lth • or • , We!l, think that misses the point, "I think: the point is that there's:inconsistent information:- titution, but als0 thisguy • • :: In prison 'And that's ormal ...... for somebody who suffers from Court accepts pleas in cases of burglary, assault and theft Several cases originally sched- uled to go to trial this month be- came plea changes last week in Mason County Superior Court. They included: • Kenneth Mike Green, 25, of 390 SE T'Peeksin Lane, Shel- ton, who was arrested December 30 after a residential burglary was reported in the Mountain View area. Green told the court in his plea that he was guilty of entering a residence belonging to Timmy Zumwalt on Olympic Highway North. Green was also charged with possession of a controlled substance after his arrest on the burglary charge. Judge James Sawyer, who accepted the plea, set his sentencing for today. • Ronald Arthur Merritt, 37, of 690 East Colonel Wright Road, Grapeview, entered a guilty plea to a third-degree assault charge through retained attorney Bruce Finlay. Merritt, Finlay noted, would have been charged Superior court roundup: Groome arraigned in molestation case Arraignment was scheduled for today for Eugene Alan Groome, 55, of Shelton, who was identified Wednesday, February 10, in connection with allegations of child molestation in the second degree. He also faces potential charges of indecent liberties, ha- rassment and failing to register as a sex offender Judge James Sawyer, at identi- fication proceedings, appointed Ron Sergi to be his attorney and set bail at $25,000. • On February 11, Judge Saw- yer received diversion papers from Robert M. McGee, 37, of 21 NE Leahy Drive, Tahuya, who entered Friendship's program as an alternative to going to trial and risking a felony conviction. McGee acknowledged that if he doesn't comply with the program, he will be tried before a superior court judge without benefit of wit- nesses or arguments other than the arresting agency's informa- tion. Judge Sawyer set a review of McGee's case for January 27, 2000, shortly before the expira- tion of the year-Icing diversion program's term. • Robert L. Henry, 27, of Vaughn was identified Tuesday after his arrest on a 1997 war- rant. In December of that year he was charged with rape in the sec- ond degree. Judge Sawyer appointed Charles Lane to be his attorney. He set bail at $5,000 and sched- uled his arraignment for today. Judge Sawyer noted that he is now living with his alleged vic- tim. • Timothy Longshore, 31, of 170 North Tribal Center Road was identified Monday in connec- tion with a burglary investiga- tion. Sawyer found probable cause for his arrest and appointed Lane to be his attorney. He was re- leased on personal recognizance. Arraignment was scheduled for February 25. In plea agreement: Fletcher admits he violated order A jury was already seated in Mason County Superior Court February 10 when the defendant they were to try entered a change of plea in a charge involving a fe- lony violation of a no-contact or- der. James Arthur Fletcher, 31, of SE 311 Whitener Road pled guilty to the charge in connection with an incident involving Paula J. Nelson, who according to informa- tion filed in the case was the mother of his 3-year-old child. The incident took place last December 17 at 70 East Pine Park Lane. It obtained felony sta- tus because an assault was in- volved, according to court papers. Deputy Prosecutor Reinhold Schuetz and attorneys for the de- fense negotiated a plea agree- ment shortly after a jury of six was selected and a trial was ready to begin. Defense attorney Larry King pointed out that his client had never committed a felony before. The maximum penalty for felony assault is five years in prison and a $10,000 fine. If Judge James Sawyer, who took the plea, sen- tences under the provisions of the state's first-time offender option Fletcher could get a jail sentence. In the plea bargain, the state has agreed not to seek additional charges that might be pending against Fletcher and the dephty prosecutor indicated willingness to ask Mason County District Court to dismiss assault charges filed by another person. The jurors seated for the case were Sharme Drake, Randel Price, Arthur Burton, Allan Cava- letto, Ruth Clement and Donna Holliday. Judge Sawyer ordered sentencing for April 1. Legislators backing bill to control felons Two state legislators have in- troduced a measure aimed at keeping high-risk offenders under closer supervision once they leave prison. State representatives Kathryn Haigh and Lynn Kessler said last week the proposed Offender Ac- countability Act (House Bill 1252) is essential for protecting commu- nities and keeping offenders on the straight and narrow. The bill directs that offenders be supervised to make sure they're living up to the terms of their release and that they pay the costs of their supervision. The measure has received a public hearing in the House Criminal Justice and Corrections Committee and was due shortly for further action. with additional counts had the matter gone to trial. MERRITT TOLD the court that he entered a residence on East Murray Road on September 28, 1998 and that he panicked and chased John Way with a splitting maul after Way punched him. He conceded that he had left the scene of the immediate con- frontation to get the maul. Although Finlay said his client was ready to continue to sentenc- ing, Judge Sawyer set the sen- tencing for February 25. • Darrell Borst, 19, of 1615 Judd Street SE, Lacey entered a change of plea in a second-degree theft case that stemmed from the theft of a stereo from a vehicle late last fall. He was initially ar- rested in January in the case. Borst, who remains free on pre- viously established conditions, told the court that he and another defendant took property that be- longed to the owner of the vehicle. Judge Sawyer explained to him that he would be assigned joint- and-several responsibility for res- titution, so that if his codefendant failed to repay the owner of the equipment, Borst would have to. He is to be sentenced February 25. ON FEBRUARY 8, one of two cases pending against Steven Leslie Hudson, 43, formerly of 1361 North State Route 106, Shelton, was resolved with an Al- ford plea. Hudson, who pled guilty to charges of residential burglary and second-degree as- sault, indicated he was innocent but felt evidence the state would present might result in a convic- tion by a jury. He was originally charged with the burglary and first-degree as- sault in an incident that involved a fracas with Jesse Davies at 1907 Olympic Highway North. Hudson was hospitalized shortly after the incident, which occurred February 26, 1998, with a ruptured spleen. Sentencing in the case is scheduled for March 25. Still pending is an unrelated robbery case filed after a December 1, 1997 arrest. I IIII * Residential , Commercial K 1714 Olympic Highway North Same-Day Service on Most Glass • Residential Vinyl  Windows • Mirrors  • Contractor's Discounts • Rock Chip Repairs • Auto Glass Specialist can 426-3163 Guaranteed Quality • Monday-Friday 8-5 I Olympic Dental Center • Crowns • Extractions • Bridges • Dentures F. Scudder, DDS 2026 Olympic ttighway North, State 101 432.8379 • Shelton Most insurances and medical coupons accepted ()pen 9 a.m.-5 p.m., Tuesday-Thursday WCC to test weapons on two dates The Washington Corrections Center will hold weapons qualifi- cation from 7:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. February 19 and from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Tuesday, February 23. Those who live within earshot of the shooting range north of Shelton will hear sporadic gunfire during that time. It's nothing to worry about, says WCC Adminis- trative Program Manager Alan Adams. NOW SELLING TOP SOIL! • Black crushed rock * Landscape rock. 3/C and 1'/4" clean rock • Rip rap • Culverts for sale  12", 18" and 24" Right across from Taylor Towne Texaco  Half mile up 2900 Road • WE DELIVER OR YOU HAUL • Special Contractor Discounts WINTER HOURS: 7 a.m.-4 p.m. Monday through Friday, Saturday 8 a,m.-noon Thursday, February 18, 1999 - Shelton-Mason County Journal - Page 19