Despite Defendant Challenges, Treatment Continues to Provide Pathway To Better Life

JEFFERSON COUNTY, WA — Substance abuse and mental health crises continue to flood the justice system, asking whether the system addresses the root of these issues. Superior Criminal Court on April 17 was relatively busy; there were omnibuses consisting of upcoming resolutions, reviews of successful inpatient treatment, one non-appearance with a warrant issued, one arraignment and a motion to dispute capacity and competency.     

Joshua Wilson was charged on April 13 with unlawful possession of a firearm in the second degree, altering the identifying marks of a firearm, two counts of violation of the uniform controlled substance act for possessing fentanyl and ketamine, possession of stolen property in the third degree, violation of ignition interlock, driving while license suspended/revoked in the third degree and obstructing a law enforcement officer. He was arraigned, assigned a defense attorney from Jefferson Associated Counsel and entered a not guilty plea. His omnibus will be on May 8, pretrial will be on May 29, and his trial will be on June 8.     

Weston Epp was charged in October 2022 with theft in the second degree for stealing a laptop. He received a deferred sentence. At his review hearing the court went over his substance follow-up. He completed his detox and inpatient care, and is starting classes. His attorney Lillian Powers said, “I read through your assessment and I am really happy for you.” The court also commended and congratulated Epp. “I hope that outpatient feels [like] more than a court order. I hope you feel proud,” Judge Brandon Mack said. His next review is June 12. 

In September 2021, Jesse Taylor was charged with two counts of reckless endangerment, possession of explosives without a license, two counts of possession of a bomb or explosive device with intent to use for an unlawful purpose, and arson in the first degree. At his review hearing for mental health alternatives, Department of Corrections officer Apker said, "There's been a huge improvement since the alternative sentence started. He makes three out of four meetings a week, but did have a substance use treatment relapse.” The court commented on Taylor’s transformation, saying, “You have a smile on your face, and it looks like you lost 30 pounds.” Taylor shared that he has a job with a moving company, is skating regularly, eating tofu, and barbecuing with his granddaughter. His next review hearing is set for May 29.

On March 16, Samantha Mardock was charged with attempted murder in the first degree. She was allegedly armed with a deadly weapon—a knife, and two frying pans, adding a mandatory 2 years to sentencing. At her motion hearing, she contested the result of a psych evaluation that found her incompetent to assist in her defense. Dr. Sydnee Erickson, who completed the report, was sworn in to testify why she believed Ms. Mardock was not competent to assist her counsel in her defense. 

Mardock was asked by her attorney, Richard Davies, to explain her understanding of the legal system. She was then cross-examined by prosecuting attorney Jeff Chalfant. He asked why Mardock refused to answer questions from Dr. Erickson during her evaluation. Mardock replied that Dr. Erickson resembled a person who Mardock believed had stolen her intellectual property. 

Based on the evaluation and testimony during the hearing, the court found Mardock to not be competent; a restoration of competency was ordered for a 90-day restoration period. The issue of involuntary medication may be addressed in a separate hearing.

The court granted attorney Davis’ request for a forensic navigator to assist Mardock after the restoration process. Mardock will be placed in the custody of the Secretary of the Department of Social and Health Services for evaluation and treatment. Mardock will remain in custody and be transported from the detention facility to the treatment facility at Western State. There will be a hearing on May 10 and a review on July 10. 

Updates:

Robert Cuevas is still in custody. He is in negotiations with the state and waived his rights to a speedy trial. His pretrial date was reset to May 29, and his trial was reset to the week of June 6.

There are negotiations with Thurston County to have Mathew Bishop transferred and entered into drug court in Thurston. He will be released on personal recognizance to be transferred. There are housing prerequisites that he needs to have settled before being taken over on a warrant. He waived his rights to a speedy trial in Jefferson County.

Soaring Whiteraven Eagle did not appear for his pretrial hearing. While he did not appear on February 13 because of a medical emergency, this was his first unjust nonappearance. Because he accumulated a new charge in Tacoma for trespassing, the court issued a warrant of $10,000. If he comes forth, the court would be willing to quash the warrant.