Superior Criminal Court, April 3, 2026: Diversion Agreement, Transfers, Treatment, and Arraignments

JEFFERSON COUNTY — The courtroom was mostly empty at criminal court on April 3, with no members of the public in attendance. The regular calendar continues as the county waits for upcoming trial dates to be reset, and representatives from both prosecution and defense prepare to attend the 2026 Children’s Justice Conference. This week, we get a deeper look at the complications of many entities working together to support recovery, and witness the heavy moment of two arraignments. 

Ryan Lammers was charged on August 4, 2025 with assault in the second degree with a deadly weapon (kitchen knife) for recurring incidents on or about the 1st day of February through the 15th day of May, 2023. At Lammers’ status conference a stipulated order of continuance, a Washington State pretrial diversion agreement where criminal charges are paused for two years, included amending the charge to assault three, 150 hours of community service to be approved by the prosecution, no contact with the alleged victim or the alleged victim's mother, $250 in court costs and attending a domestic violence program. Lammers also has protection orders in Clallam County. His next review date is set for March 31, 2028.

Mathew Bishop was charged on December 2, 2025 with injuring someone in a hit and run and driving while license suspended/revoked in the third degree. Bishop is still in custody and appeared over zoom. At his omnibus hearing attorney Lillian Powers noted that parties are nearing resolution and asked the Court to consider reducing bail to $1,500. Attorney for the state, Holly Graham, argued against lowering bail, as Bishop has four active warrants. 

“$5,000 bail wasn’t enough to get him to court. I have no reason to believe he would appear in court if bail is set for $1,500,” Graham said. The Court asked jail staff if Bishop would be automatically transferred to Thurston County or released if he posted bail. Jail staff replied that it would depend on Thurston County. 

Judge Brandon Mack said he would be happy to sign an order to transfer Bishop to Thurston County, “I don’t see a basis to lower bail. But I don’t want to stall [petitioning drug court in Thurston.]” Judge Mack said he would sign ex parte, legal proceedings done by a court without the presence of, or prior notice to parties, for an order to transfer Bishop to Thurston prior to the next omnibus hearing, set to April 17.

At Thomas Early’s preliminary appearance and summons, he was read his charges of assault in the second degree, and assault in the fourth degree. The court appointed him representation with Jefferson Associated Counsel. They moved forward to arraignment with Lillian Powers representation and entered a not guilty plea. Omnibus is set for May 29, pretrial on June 12, and trial is set for June 29.   

Updates:

Christopher Pifer is accused of causing physical damage in excess of $5,000 to Century Link metal cables. During his initial arraignment, Pifer pleaded not guilty. His omnibus on May 29, pretrial on June 12, and trial is set for June 29. 

Kristen Petrie was still in custody on the day of her review hearing. Attorney Scott Charlton said he wasn’t sure why. A representative for behavioral health appeared on zoom to help clarify. Petrie had a bed date scheduled at Lake Whatcom Residential and Treatment Center (LWRTC) - Baker Creek Co-occurring Residential Treatment Facility in Bellingham for April 4 but they overbooked the beds and rescheduled her to April 15. If a bed at Believe in Recovery opens before the 15, they will send her there. The court decided against releasing Petrie from custody before her bed date of the 15. “The court has concerns that if you are released you wouldn’t make it [to treatment or court],” Judge Mack said. Petrie’s case is still furloughed until she completes her treatment.