Superior Criminal Court June 12, 2026: Guilty Pleas and a Dismissal
A week of negotiations determining defendants' paths.
JEFFERSON COUNTY, WA — Nearly all cases in criminal court on June 12 involved negotiations, whether they were formulating agreements, amending charges or sentencing.
Anthony Lara was charged on May 28 with assault in the second degree, felony harassment as domestic violence and two counts of disclosure of intimate image as domestic violence. At his arraignment, he pleaded not guilty. His omnibus will be July 31, pretrial August 21, and trial the week of August 31.
Prosecuting attorney Holly Graham gave the state’s recommendation that Lara be released on the strength of his promise to return to court without having to post bail. He was released under the provisions that he observe a no contact order with the alleged victim, have no further criminal law violations, remain in the State of Washington at an address known to the Court, keep in touch with his attorney and appear in Court as directed.
Robert Smith was charged with two counts of assault in the third degree and resisting arrest on September 29, 2025. At his omnibus hearing, his attorney Lillian Powers asked to remove the trial date as the parties are in negotiations about a possible stipulated order of continuance—a diversion agreement which pauses a case for a set period for the defendant to complete specific conditions, such as treatment, community service or paying restitution. The court set the motion hearing for June 26.
Anthony Suarez Tucker was arrested on December 6, 2025. Although the incident occurred on tribal land and the victims are tribal members, Anthony is not a tribal member and therefore his actions are subject to state court jurisdiction, not tribal court jurisdiction. He was charged with burglary in the first degree, assault in the fourth degree and felony harassment.
Defense attorney Scott Charlton said the matter was resolved in district court and so it was dismissed in superior court without the ability to file against him on this matter again.
Weston Epp pleaded guilty on June 28, 2023 to malicious mischief in the third degree. He was also sentenced to a stipulated order of continuance. He will have two years to complete court requirements. If he does not, he will serve 364 days in jail. He must also pay $250.00 in legal financial obligations to the court.
At his review hearing, Epp spoke about his recent relapse and recovery, saying, “I immediately called and my friends and community helped me make a plan . . . I am 20 days sober today. I am learning about my stress triggers and that I have to talk about even the small stuff.”
He completed detox at Catholic Community Services and is in intensive outpatient treatment. Prosecuting attorney Jeffery Chalfant said the state was understanding about his relapse. The Court set the next review hearing for July 13.
Updates:
Jerry Simants entered a not guilty plea at his arraignment. His omnibus will be July 31, pretrial on August 21, and trial the week of August 31.
Robert Cuevas pleaded alford guilty to assault in the third degree. He was sentenced to 14 months in custody with credit for time served and 12 months of supervision by a corrections officer after release. They will have a hearing to set restitution to pay damages at a later date.
Upon his sentencing, he was transferred to Kitsap County. This is part of the agreement with Kitsap County to address Cuevas’ active charges for unlawful possession of a firearm in the first and second degree there.
Attorney Charlton noted Cuevas’ blue scrubs for his model behavior while in custody, and said what a good candidate he is for drug court if it were not for his charges in Kitsap.
