Assault, Burglary and Theft—and Ongoing Recovery
This week, our justice beat is old enough that we are able to start following cases through the legal system.
Court news by Angela Downs
JEFFERSON COUNTY: PORT TOWNSEND, WA — The Beacon is working to bring clarity around the court system in Jefferson County. Following cases from start to finish helps to keep track of people in the system and demystify how decisions around freedom and safety are made. With one month down on the new Justice System beat, we are now able to follow several cases through the courts. We have updates on two cases from last week.
Jordan Haltom was charged with residential burglary in August, 2024. On February 27, attorney Lillian Powers stated the intended furlough from custody, a temporary release, for Haltom to attend inpatient treatment and begin his search for new housing. Judge Brandon Mack approved Haltom's entrance into Behavioral Health Court. There his progress and recovery will be tracked and supported.
Emma Russell was charged with assault of a child in the 2nd degree-Domestic Violence. Updates are that the court now knows where she is for active inpatient care at Lifetime Connections in Vancouver, Washington. Discussion to quash her warrant (asking the judge to void the warrant) came up again on Friday February 27. Attorney Powers has concerns about impeding the intended changes to the no contact order as they are working to amend it to visitations. Judge Mack signed off to quash the warrant for Russell to finish her inpatient care.
Steve Redhead was charged in March 2025 for residential burglary, and two counts of malicious mischief in the second degree for forced entry into Fire Station 41, causing several thousand dollars of damage to windows in the engine bay. On February 27, Redhead asked for more time to think about the plea deal and have his new counsel and family review it. “I feel threatened that if I don’t sign today I’m going to prison,” Redhead said. The plea offer will be left in place for one week while his community reviews it.
Shuler was not present on February 27. The State requested a warrant with $10,000 bail, but because his history does not reflect repeated absences, it was not granted. Shuler is charged with first degree theft for $5,000 of damage to Century Link cables and first degree malicious mischief.
Vreeke was also not present. The State's request for a warrant with $5,000 bail was granted, but if he shows for Behavioral Health Court they will strike the warrant. Vreeke is charged with burglary in the second degree and theft in the third degree at Safeway.
Robert Cuevas was charged with assault in the second degree with a firearm enhancement, malicious mischief in the second degree, unlawful possession of a firearm in the first degree, and unlawful possession of a short-barreled shotgun. The incident occurred in early January of 2026, when Cuevas allegedly broke the driver side window of a car with the butt-end of a shotgun and pointed it at the driver. During Cuevas pre-trial on February 27, Deputy Prosecuting Attorney for the State, Jeffrey Chalfant, suggested removing the firearm enhancement to the deadly weapon charges. The alleged victim has been out of state with no opportunity for the defense interview. Sixty jurors will be summoned and Cuevas will continue being held on bond of $250,000. He entered a not guilty plea.
