Superior Criminal Court April 10, 2026: Drug Related Offenses, Sentencing Alternatives, and Believe in Recovery

JEFFERSON COUNTY, WA — With the majority of cases in criminal court on April 10 being drug-related offenses, it provided an opportunity to witness sentencing alternatives, such as resolutions to enter drug court and deferrals.

It was also clear how vital a resource Believe in Recovery is for Jefferson County. Funded through the Jefferson County behavioral health contracts for the 1/10th of 1 percent sales tax, Believe in Recovery not only serves a recovery facility itself but also as a point of contact for scheduling bed dates in other facilities, helping with transportation, providing information on case standing and progress, and keeping the system flowing.

Their treatment philosophy states, “Substance Use Disorder is a disease that affects the whole person and their family system. The disease is treatable from a holistic and multidisciplinary approach that focuses on physical, emotional, intellectual, social, and spiritual issues.”

Andrew Sauer was charged on January 26 with attempting to elude a pursuing police vehicle, reckless driving, driving while license suspended/revoked, violation of ignition interlock and obstructing a law enforcement officer. At his sentencing, a Residential Drug Offender Sentencing Alternative (DOSA) was entered. A Washington State DOSA allows non-violent, substance-addicted offenders to serve time in a secure, community-based residential treatment facility for at least 90 days instead of prison. It requires a treatment need and a sentencing midpoint of 26 months or less. No legal financial obligations are being sought. The court granted the recommended sentence; Sauer will serve 0 days for count 1, attempting to elude a pursuing police vehicle, and 364 days with 354 days suspended on count 3, driving while license suspended/revoked.

Dr. Caudill has secured a bed date for Sauer at the end of April with Believe in Recovery. Sauer has been working with the program already and said, “I think they are a great program. I am ready for a change.” 

Noah Peterson was charged on February 17 with assault in the second degree for domestic violence. While the victim was present on Zoom, Peterson was not. Attorney Scott Charlton did not contest the motion to cancel the no-contact order on behalf of Peterson. Prosecuting Attorney Graham also did not contest the motion. The victim said, “I want to have clear communication with the kids. Communication needs to be clear so our family can get on track.” The court granted the motion.

Dennis Lentzner was charged with assault in the second degree with a deadly weapon, a hammer, for an incident on May 2, 2022 while working on a job site with his two sons. After an argument with the client, his sons knocked the client backwards over a tool box and began to hit and kick him while he was on the ground. When the victim got up, he saw Lentzner standing with a hammer and called 911. A witness said he saw Lentzner hit the victim in the head and back with the hammer. Medical reports found bruising on the victim's head and back consistent with the hammer dimensions and impact locations described by the witness.

In his review hearing they continued with the Stipulated Order of Continuance set in early 2024, a negotiated agreement that postpones a case for the defendant to complete court-ordered conditions to avoid conviction as long as the accused remains in compliance.

Prosecuting Attorney Chalfant provided the state's motion to amend the charge to assault in the fourth degree, and the court granted the motion. Lentzner pleaded guilty; the court reviewed his rights upon entry, and found him guilty. Lentzner had served 14 days in custody, and the state is not seeking any more time. The court sentenced Lentzner to 14 days with credit for 14 days served. 

Judge Brandon Mack asked Lentzner what had changed in the last two years. “I’m getting my life together,” Lentzner answered. “I’m off drugs, and I've gotten older. I’m taking care of my medical condition with the cancer in my neck. I’m at peace with going to work and going home.” He is still attending meetings at Jamestown.

Updates:

At Kristin Petrie's review hearing, it was confirmed that Believe in Recovery has organized for Petrie to be picked up at 7 am for her bed date on April 12, and on April 15, she will go to Baker Creek Co-occurring Residential Treatment Facility for treatment. “Go to treatment, complete it, and be in contact with the Department of Corrections when you’re done,” Judge Mack instructed.

Christopher Pifer's motion hearing for a resolution to enter drug court over Zoom until he can get his license was approved by the court. Pifer waived his right to a speedy trial and set it out for September 1. His review hearing will be on April 24.

Attorney Scott Charlton sat in for Lillian Powers, representing Heather Woodley at her review hearing. At the end of a 24-month deferral, Woodley is looking for a job to pay her $1,400.85 restitution. “Evidence suggests you’re waiting till the last minute,” Judge Mack said. “Better late than never . . . but the court has general frustration that if you had done your treatment earlier and gotten a job a year and a half ago, you could be in a place to pay your restitution.”