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Shelton Mason County Journal
Shelton, Washington
December 27, 2007     Shelton Mason County Journal
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December 27, 2007
 
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Torrellas.-facing Damage at NMHS: serious charges Babbitt gets nine months (Continued from page l.) misuse of confidential information for his role in vandalism hospital that they could pay for the services. THE INDICTMENT says that this type of "fraudulent practice is widely known in the private investi- gations industry as pretexting." In calls to various agencies and fi- nancial institutions the "pretexters" allegedly claimed various hardships such as being a battered spouse, fac- ing bankruptcy, foreclosure or seri- ous illness. In one case the pretexter tried to claim she needed the infor- mation because a child had been ab- ducted. Specifically, the government al- leges that Brandy Torrella called pharmacies and hospitals posing as someone from the subject's doctor's office, for the purpose of obtaining medical information. The Torrellas then allegedly forwarded all the in- formation they obtained to the pri- vate investigators for fees ranging from $30 to $300 per record. "Citizens have the right to expect that their private information will be kept private, especially when it's in the hands of the U.S. Government," said Terry K. Peacock, Special Agent in Charge of the Treasury Inspec- tor General for Tax Administration in Denver, Colorado. He went on to say that with the help of the United States Attorney's Office, and several others, including various Washing- ton State agencies "we have taken a big step forward with these indict- ments in protecting the public and their personal information from in- dividuals who would illegally obtain and misuse this information." "THIS INDICTMENT success- fully exposed the alleged theft and from various state and federal re- cord systems, including those relat- ing to the unemployment insurance program," said Gordon Heddell, Inspector General, United States Department of Labor. "This joint investigation with our law enforce- ment partners demonstrates our commitment to bringing to justice those who commit identity theft and defraud the Department of Labor's programs for personal profit." The charges contained in the indictment are only allegations. A person is presumed innocent unless and until he or she is proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law. Conspiracy is punishable by up to five years in prison. Wire fraud is punishable by up to 20 years in pris- on. Fraudulent el•citation of Social Security Administration informa- tion and solicitation of federal tax information are punishable by up to five years in prison. Aggravated identify theft is pun- ishable by a mandatory two-year term on top of any sentence on the underlying offenses. THE CASE IS being investigat- ed by the Social Security Adminis- tration Office of Inspector General (SSA-OIG), the Treasury Inspec- tor General for Tax Administration (TIGTA), the Department of Labor Office of Inspector General (DOL- OIG), and the Washington State Employment Security Department Office of Special Investigations. The case is being prosecuted by assistant United States attorneys Katheryn Kim Frierson and Kurt Hermaims. At the Theler Center: Board m, 00mbers, helpers needed Area residents still have a chance to serve on the Mary E. Theler Community Center Board of Directors. Theler officials are searching for three new board members as well as a variety of volunteers to help with new and ongoing projects at the center and wetlands trails. Theler Center manager Anne Whitman says about a half dozen community members have already submitted letters of interest and that more are expected. She says that letters will continue to be ac- cepted at least through the end of the year, but as is the case with most things, the sooner they are sent the better. "! LOOK forward to having a nice diverse board come the new year," Whitman added. Whitman says that those inter- ested in becoming a board member may visit the center's Web site at thelercenter.org and check the "policies and procedures" page to find out about board member cri- teria and the selection process. Current board members are urging as many folks as possible to throw their hats in the ring. "In everything we do, ohr focus will always be toward the local community," said Linnie Griffin, one of Theler's four current board members. "But moving forward depends on broad-based communi- ty involvement. That's why we're calling on our neighbors to share their time and talents." OFFICIALS SAY that three two-year board positions will be opening up this month and that volunteers with experience in fund-raising and grant writing are especially needed. Local residents may submit a letter of interest to P.O. Box 1445, Belfair, 98528, or e-mail it to theler@hctc.com. Officials say that the letters should include a listing of inter- ests, qualifications, history of volunteer•sin and state how one's personal experience might benefit the community center. All four board members - Grif- fin, Dave Kinnee, Mary Swoboda and Tom Farmer - say they would be happy to talk with those that are interested in becoming board members. People that would like more information or would like to reach the current board members should call the Theler Center of- rice by dialing 275-4898. ANCH 'S BARK AND GRAVEL 5419 (;RAPEVIEW LOOP ROAI) 275-6698 . 1-800-690-BARK * 275-7133 People dealing with alcohol issues may note the following meetings. Alcoholics Anonymous (AA) 42 Old Belfair Highway Sunday: 9 a.m., noon, 5 p.m. Monday: noon, 7:30 p.m. Tuesday: noon, 7 p.m. Step study, Legacy Wednesday: 7 a.m., noon, 7:30 p.m. Thursday: noon, 7:30 p.m. Big Book study Friday: noon Step study, 7 p.m. for women, 9 p.m. candlelight. Saturday: 9 a.m., noon, 7:30 p.m. speaker meeting. A potluck is held at 6:30 p.m. on the last Satur- JESFIELD Construction, Inc. Serving the North Mason area since 1967 Specializing in seawall Re-construction and home repairs 275-6684 Frank Merrill Belfair, WA Lic #JESFII*228DO day of every month. Alcoholics Anonymous (AA) Allyn Historic Church State Route 3, Allyn Sunday: 7 p.m. Survivors Friday: 7 p.m. Men's Stag, Big Book study A1-Anon 42 Old Belfair Highway Monday: 7:30 p.m (Continued from page 1.) "It was never supposed to be what it turned out to be," East- man said. "Nothing was accidental, ev- erything was purposeful," Saw- yer responded. 'Tqe didn't want to cause dam- age and things did get slightly out of hand," Eastman said. JUDGE SAWYER said he grew up in a small community and understood how important a school is to the town. He told Eastman, "You don't pull this kind of garbage and not have a negative impact on your life. I want you to feel what you are flirting with in this kind of crimi- nal conduct and that is the loss of liberty." Sanford called his behavior "a big mistake" and said he made "a poor decision." Sawyer told Sanford what he did went well beyond poor deci- sion-making. "Every one of you guys were a respected student. Why wasn't one of you willing to stand up and say, 'Let's stop and get out of here?' Where's the sense of community?" "We weren't thinking at the time," Sanford responded. THE JUDGE told Babbitt, Eastman and Sanford some kind of apology might be appreciated by the community. "You've set a horrible example for future grad- uating classes," Judge Sawyer added. In addition to sharing the res- titution, Sawyer imposed legal financial obligations of $827 in court costs and $500 to the crime victims' fund on Eastman and $930 in court costs and $500 to the crime victims' fund on San- ford. Codefendants in the incident at the bus garage were also sen- tenced under the first-time of- fender waiver. * Jesse Daniel Remington, 18, of 4750 East Rasor Road, Bel- fair, was sentenced to 45 days for first-degree malicious mischief and to a concurrent sentence of 365 days with 320 suspended for first-degree criminal trespass. Judge Sawyer said he would serve 4 days in jail, 11 days on electronic home monitoring and 30 days converted to 240 hours of community service. "I TAKE COMPLETE re- sponsibility for what I did. It was a criminal act. Our intentions were a prank. I let the air out of tires. An hour into it we heard glass breaking and someone spraying paint. "I don't do this kind of stuff. I'm a good kid," Remington con- tinued. "I didn't have the right idea about what I was doing that night. I want to go into the mili- tary. I was well liked at school. Teachers won't even look at me anymore." "Vandalism, to me, is inexpli- cable. Now you say it's a prank, letting air out of tires. Did you think about how long it would take to bring back the buses? What about the effect on your future from a moment of stupid- .Narcotics Anonymous Mary E. Theler Community Cen- ter 22871 NE State Route 3, Belfair Wednesday: 6 p.m. More information on AA is avail- able at 275-9868 or 275-4395. For A1-Anon, call 275-3833; and for Narcotics Anonymous, call 265- 1602. NORTH MASON FIBER COMPANY RO. Box 275 • NE 431 Log Yard Rd. • Belfair, WA 98528 The Place To Take Your YARD & WOOD Waste Contractors Welcome OPEN MON-FRI 7AM-4:3OPM • WEEKENDS 8AM-4PM 275-0228 Please call for directions and more information NO Plastics or Garbage PLEASE Thursday, December 27 ity?" Sawyer said. He said Remington would be on two years of community cus- tody and imposed restitution and other legal financial obligations including $330 in court costs and $500 to the crime victims' fund. • Derik Swenson, 19, was sen- tenced to 45 days for first-degree malicious mischief and 365 days with 290 suspended for crimi- nal trespass in the first degree. Judge Sawyer said Swenson would serve 15 days in jail and he converted 30 days to 240 hours of community service. "I WENT THERE and it was just going to be a prank and then I saw them doing all the other damage. I probably shouldn't have stayed there. It wasn't real- ly worth it at all," Swenson said. "what was the purpose in soaping the windows?" Judge Sawyer asked. "Just one of those senior things," he responded. Judge Sawyer said he was try- ing to understand why he did what he did. He said Swenson had been treated well at school and was going to graduate. "That school has been a place that has been a springboard for a lot of young people. Explain to me and the people that are here in the courtroom." "I got the call that night at work. Like, I honestly didn't want to go," Swenson said, explaining he gave some friends a ride and KEEP MORE OF YOUR MONEY! Alia, F. Mont Questions or Problems-- Give Us a Carl or Come By only participated in letting air out of tires and soaping windows. "I have no logical excuse at all." "You stand before the court today with a diploma and now you've got a felony on your re- cord," Judge Sawyer comment- ed. He imposed legal financial obligations of shared restitution of $2,078, $436.50 in attorney- fee recoupment and $500 to the crime victims' fund. www.orchardtheater.com December 21-January 3 I'M NOT HERE [] 1:00 3:45 6:45 9:15 I NO COUNTRY FOR OLD MEN [] 12:30 3:00 6:30 9:00 I p ii i • Individual, Business, Estate, Trust Tax Returns • Combining Over Thirly Years Experience • Friendly, Professional Service • Bookkeeping, Payroll • Help with IRS Problems • Senior & Military Discounts • Competitive Rates • Open Year-Round • Pkk Up & Delivery ( 24090 NE State Route 3, Suite E 360-275-3119 or 360-552-6699 Located in Belfoir Center i • Crushed Driveway Rock 3/4"-11/2" (Black or grey) " (Clean or minus) * • Large River Rock r ......... "t. • Delivery 5 days a week I ALL DRIVEWAY l• • Dark, rich topsoil I GRAVEL CUSTOM l• • Dark, rich Hemlock Bark I SPREAD FREE I" Fxpiri!s I/lll()fi, ('a'4h vahll! 1120€. L ........ ...... J• CLOSED SATURDAYS U-HAUL BY APPOINTMENT ONLY • jukY'00- $ AUTOMOTIVE Foreign • Domestic ( • • , lJl Mark and Dnitra /yers By appointment only Shop 360-275-0405 or 360-463-0925 Grapeview, WA I I I I II Clearing, Grading, Excavating II II Logging, Homesites to Commercial II |] Building Complexes- CuIvertsto Storm Drainage Systems Ill 1 Driveways to Highways- Topsoil to 2 MAN Rock II I| 18862 E State Rt. 3 -,r-p ........ (360) 275"2861 III  l?iyn,_, WA 9252--4 ,.r-n, UO,, Fax (360)_272_.3355 Dr. Nancy Isbell • General small animal medicine/surgery • Acupuncture certified, TCM herbs • Internal medicine residency 23730 NE SR3 • LOG CABIN PLAZA * BELFAIR • 10 minutes from Hwy. 16 • 0.2 miles south of the stoplight at Safeway Open M-F 8 am-6 pm 360.277.3800 2007 - Belfair Herald section of the Shelton-Mason County Journal - Page 3 Torrellas.-facing Damage at NMHS: serious charges Babbitt gets nine months (Continued from page l.) misuse of confidential information for his role in vandalism hospital that they could pay for the services. THE INDICTMENT says that this type of "fraudulent practice is widely known in the private investi- gations industry as pretexting." In calls to various agencies and fi- nancial institutions the "pretexters" allegedly claimed various hardships such as being a battered spouse, fac- ing bankruptcy, foreclosure or seri- ous illness. In one case the pretexter tried to claim she needed the infor- mation because a child had been ab- ducted. Specifically, the government al- leges that Brandy Torrella called pharmacies and hospitals posing as someone from the subject's doctor's office, for the purpose of obtaining medical information. The Torrellas then allegedly forwarded all the in- formation they obtained to the pri- vate investigators for fees ranging from $30 to $300 per record. "Citizens have the right to expect that their private information will be kept private, especially when it's in the hands of the U.S. Government," said Terry K. Peacock, Special Agent in Charge of the Treasury Inspec- tor General for Tax Administration in Denver, Colorado. He went on to say that with the help of the United States Attorney's Office, and several others, including various Washing- ton State agencies "we have taken a big step forward with these indict- ments in protecting the public and their personal information from in- dividuals who would illegally obtain and misuse this information." "THIS INDICTMENT success- fully exposed the alleged theft and from various state and federal re- cord systems, including those relat- ing to the unemployment insurance program," said Gordon Heddell, Inspector General, United States Department of Labor. "This joint investigation with our law enforce- ment partners demonstrates our commitment to bringing to justice those who commit identity theft and defraud the Department of Labor's programs for personal profit." The charges contained in the indictment are only allegations. A person is presumed innocent unless and until he or she is proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law. Conspiracy is punishable by up to five years in prison. Wire fraud is punishable by up to 20 years in pris- on. Fraudulent el•citation of Social Security Administration informa- tion and solicitation of federal tax information are punishable by up to five years in prison. Aggravated identify theft is pun- ishable by a mandatory two-year term on top of any sentence on the underlying offenses. THE CASE IS being investigat- ed by the Social Security Adminis- tration Office of Inspector General (SSA-OIG), the Treasury Inspec- tor General for Tax Administration (TIGTA), the Department of Labor Office of Inspector General (DOL- OIG), and the Washington State Employment Security Department Office of Special Investigations. The case is being prosecuted by assistant United States attorneys Katheryn Kim Frierson and Kurt Hermaims. At the Theler Center: Board m, 00mbers, helpers needed Area residents still have a chance to serve on the Mary E. Theler Community Center Board of Directors. Theler officials are searching for three new board members as well as a variety of volunteers to help with new and ongoing projects at the center and wetlands trails. Theler Center manager Anne Whitman says about a half dozen community members have already submitted letters of interest and that more are expected. She says that letters will continue to be ac- cepted at least through the end of the year, but as is the case with most things, the sooner they are sent the better. "! LOOK forward to having a nice diverse board come the new year," Whitman added. Whitman says that those inter- ested in becoming a board member may visit the center's Web site at thelercenter.org and check the "policies and procedures" page to find out about board member cri- teria and the selection process. Current board members are urging as many folks as possible to throw their hats in the ring. "In everything we do, ohr focus will always be toward the local community," said Linnie Griffin, one of Theler's four current board members. "But moving forward depends on broad-based communi- ty involvement. That's why we're calling on our neighbors to share their time and talents." OFFICIALS SAY that three two-year board positions will be opening up this month and that volunteers with experience in fund-raising and grant writing are especially needed. Local residents may submit a letter of interest to P.O. Box 1445, Belfair, 98528, or e-mail it to theler@hctc.com. Officials say that the letters should include a listing of inter- ests, qualifications, history of volunteer•sin and state how one's personal experience might benefit the community center. All four board members - Grif- fin, Dave Kinnee, Mary Swoboda and Tom Farmer - say they would be happy to talk with those that are interested in becoming board members. People that would like more information or would like to reach the current board members should call the Theler Center of- rice by dialing 275-4898. ANCH 'S BARK AND GRAVEL 5419 (;RAPEVIEW LOOP ROAI) 275-6698 . 1-800-690-BARK * 275-7133 People dealing with alcohol issues may note the following meetings. Alcoholics Anonymous (AA) 42 Old Belfair Highway Sunday: 9 a.m., noon, 5 p.m. Monday: noon, 7:30 p.m. Tuesday: noon, 7 p.m. Step study, Legacy Wednesday: 7 a.m., noon, 7:30 p.m. Thursday: noon, 7:30 p.m. Big Book study Friday: noon Step study, 7 p.m. for women, 9 p.m. candlelight. Saturday: 9 a.m., noon, 7:30 p.m. speaker meeting. A potluck is held at 6:30 p.m. on the last Satur- JESFIELD Construction, Inc. Serving the North Mason area since 1967 Specializing in seawall Re-construction and home repairs 275-6684 Frank Merrill Belfair, WA Lic #JESFII*228DO day of every month. Alcoholics Anonymous (AA) Allyn Historic Church State Route 3, Allyn Sunday: 7 p.m. Survivors Friday: 7 p.m. Men's Stag, Big Book study A1-Anon 42 Old Belfair Highway Monday: 7:30 p.m (Continued from page 1.) "It was never supposed to be what it turned out to be," East- man said. "Nothing was accidental, ev- erything was purposeful," Saw- yer responded. 'Tqe didn't want to cause dam- age and things did get slightly out of hand," Eastman said. JUDGE SAWYER said he grew up in a small community and understood how important a school is to the town. He told Eastman, "You don't pull this kind of garbage and not have a negative impact on your life. I want you to feel what you are flirting with in this kind of crimi- nal conduct and that is the loss of liberty." Sanford called his behavior "a big mistake" and said he made "a poor decision." Sawyer told Sanford what he did went well beyond poor deci- sion-making. "Every one of you guys were a respected student. Why wasn't one of you willing to stand up and say, 'Let's stop and get out of here?' Where's the sense of community?" "We weren't thinking at the time," Sanford responded. THE JUDGE told Babbitt, Eastman and Sanford some kind of apology might be appreciated by the community. "You've set a horrible example for future grad- uating classes," Judge Sawyer added. In addition to sharing the res- titution, Sawyer imposed legal financial obligations of $827 in court costs and $500 to the crime victims' fund on Eastman and $930 in court costs and $500 to the crime victims' fund on San- ford. Codefendants in the incident at the bus garage were also sen- tenced under the first-time of- fender waiver. * Jesse Daniel Remington, 18, of 4750 East Rasor Road, Bel- fair, was sentenced to 45 days for first-degree malicious mischief and to a concurrent sentence of 365 days with 320 suspended for first-degree criminal trespass. Judge Sawyer said he would serve 4 days in jail, 11 days on electronic home monitoring and 30 days converted to 240 hours of community service. "I TAKE COMPLETE re- sponsibility for what I did. It was a criminal act. Our intentions were a prank. I let the air out of tires. An hour into it we heard glass breaking and someone spraying paint. "I don't do this kind of stuff. I'm a good kid," Remington con- tinued. "I didn't have the right idea about what I was doing that night. I want to go into the mili- tary. I was well liked at school. Teachers won't even look at me anymore." "Vandalism, to me, is inexpli- cable. Now you say it's a prank, letting air out of tires. Did you think about how long it would take to bring back the buses? What about the effect on your future from a moment of stupid- .Narcotics Anonymous Mary E. Theler Community Cen- ter 22871 NE State Route 3, Belfair Wednesday: 6 p.m. More information on AA is avail- able at 275-9868 or 275-4395. For A1-Anon, call 275-3833; and for Narcotics Anonymous, call 265- 1602. NORTH MASON FIBER COMPANY RO. Box 275 • NE 431 Log Yard Rd. • Belfair, WA 98528 The Place To Take Your YARD & WOOD Waste Contractors Welcome OPEN MON-FRI 7AM-4:3OPM • WEEKENDS 8AM-4PM 275-0228 Please call for directions and more information NO Plastics or Garbage PLEASE Thursday, December 27 ity?" Sawyer said. He said Remington would be on two years of community cus- tody and imposed restitution and other legal financial obligations including $330 in court costs and $500 to the crime victims' fund. • Derik Swenson, 19, was sen- tenced to 45 days for first-degree malicious mischief and 365 days with 290 suspended for crimi- nal trespass in the first degree. Judge Sawyer said Swenson would serve 15 days in jail and he converted 30 days to 240 hours of community service. "I WENT THERE and it was just going to be a prank and then I saw them doing all the other damage. I probably shouldn't have stayed there. It wasn't real- ly worth it at all," Swenson said. "what was the purpose in soaping the windows?" Judge Sawyer asked. "Just one of those senior things," he responded. Judge Sawyer said he was try- ing to understand why he did what he did. He said Swenson had been treated well at school and was going to graduate. "That school has been a place that has been a springboard for a lot of young people. Explain to me and the people that are here in the courtroom." "I got the call that night at work. Like, I honestly didn't want to go," Swenson said, explaining he gave some friends a ride and KEEP MORE OF YOUR MONEY! Alia, F. Mont Questions or Problems-- Give Us a Carl or Come By only participated in letting air out of tires and soaping windows. "I have no logical excuse at all." "You stand before the court today with a diploma and now you've got a felony on your re- cord," Judge Sawyer comment- ed. He imposed legal financial obligations of shared restitution of $2,078, $436.50 in attorney- fee recoupment and $500 to the crime victims' fund. www.orchardtheater.com December 21-January 3 I'M NOT HERE [] 1:00 3:45 6:45 9:15 I NO COUNTRY FOR OLD MEN [] 12:30 3:00 6:30 9:00 I p ii i • Individual, Business, Estate, Trust Tax Returns • Combining Over Thirly Years Experience • Friendly, Professional Service • Bookkeeping, Payroll • Help with IRS Problems • Senior & Military Discounts • Competitive Rates • Open Year-Round • Pkk Up & Delivery ( 24090 NE State Route 3, Suite E 360-275-3119 or 360-552-6699 Located in Belfoir Center i • Crushed Driveway Rock 3/4"-11/2" (Black or grey) " (Clean or minus) * • Large River Rock r ......... "t. • Delivery 5 days a week I ALL DRIVEWAY l• • Dark, rich topsoil I GRAVEL CUSTOM l• • Dark, rich Hemlock Bark I SPREAD FREE I" Fxpiri!s I/lll()fi, ('a'4h vahll! 1120€. L ........ ...... J• CLOSED SATURDAYS U-HAUL BY APPOINTMENT ONLY • jukY'00- $ AUTOMOTIVE Foreign • Domestic ( • • , lJl Mark and Dnitra /yers By appointment only Shop 360-275-0405 or 360-463-0925 Grapeview, WA I I I I II Clearing, Grading, Excavating II II Logging, Homesites to Commercial II |] Building Complexes- CuIvertsto Storm Drainage Systems Ill 1 Driveways to Highways- Topsoil to 2 MAN Rock II I| 18862 E State Rt. 3 -,r-p ........ (360) 275"2861 III  l?iyn,_, WA 9252--4 ,.r-n, UO,, Fax (360)_272_.3355 Dr. Nancy Isbell • General small animal medicine/surgery • Acupuncture certified, TCM herbs • Internal medicine residency 23730 NE SR3 • LOG CABIN PLAZA * BELFAIR • 10 minutes from Hwy. 16 • 0.2 miles south of the stoplight at Safeway Open M-F 8 am-6 pm 360.277.3800 2007 - Belfair Herald section of the Shelton-Mason County Journal - Page 3