Superior Criminal Court October 23: Seasonal Crime Statistics

JEFFERSON COUNTY, WA — We are entering the colder months of the year, and as late fall unfolds, we consider how crime trends follow the seasons. 

According to the Bureau of Justice Statistics, Youth Endowment Fund, research focused on Seattle and A&E, crimes reduce during the winter months. While rates of domestic violence are also lower in the winter, we see a spike in hotline calls during Thanksgiving, Christmas and New Year’s.

According to the Washington Association of Sheriffs and Police Chiefs, the most common crimes in rural areas during the winter months are barn and home burglaries, and heating and fuel theft.

It remains to be seen how Jefferson County's winter 2026 crime rates will compare, but by the end of October, we saw several new complex cases.

Arrangements:

Christina Labore is charged with assault in the second degree as a domestic violence charge. She has been appointed a defense attorney with Jefferson Associated Council (JAC). She pleaded not guilty. Her omnibus hearing will be December 11, pretrial on December 30 and trial the week of January 11.

Carrie Mullens is charged with theft in the first degree, exceeding $5,000 from the Geoduck. She was appointed defense counsel by the JAC and pleaded not guilty. Her omnibus hearing will be December 11, pretrial December 30 and trial the week of January 1.

Julie Broughtonis was charged with assault in the third degree. JAC was assigned to her case, and she pleaded not guilty. Her omnibus hearing will be November 13, pretrial December 4 and trial the week of December 14.

Olivia Wilkens had a preliminary hearing on a new case, a charge of assault in the second degree with a deadly weapon enhancement (brass knuckles) and assault in the fourth degree, and an arraignment for her charges of assault in the second degree with a deadly weapon enhancement (a silver pistol), unlawful carrying of a dangerous weapon (brass knuckles), minor in possession of liquor and possession of a pistol with a full magazine under the age of 21. 

She has obtained counsel with Lane Wolfley. The state requested that Wilkens be placed on Electric Home Monitoring because of her potential danger to the community, not because of her flight risk. She will be arraigned on the new charges on November 6.

Sentencing:

Yvonne Hay changed her plea to guilty of attempting to allude to a pursuing police vehicle. The court adopted the state’s recommendation of four days with credit for four days served. Hay said, “I’m getting a lot of support there [at Discovery Bay Behavioral Health]. I’m embarrassed and disappointed in myself and moving forward one day at a time.” After two years sober and graduating from Drug Court in October 2025, her attorney Noah Harrison said, “She knows that when she experiences grief she needs to reach out for help, not for alcohol.” 

Superior Court Judge Brandon Mack said, “I think you’ll do well with the structure of the deferred sentencing,” but warned her that she won't get off as easily next time. “We don’t expect perfection, but as time goes by, our expectations rise.” 

Updates:

Brian Burroughs had his final review hearing. As long as the court receives a collateral report from Discovery Behavioral Health on his completion of Anger Management classes, he will be considered in compliance, as he has also completed his community service hours. 

Gabriel Schuler is petitioning to enter Drug Court and is in treatment at James Town.

Soaring Whiteraven Eagle posted bail on October 13. He contacted JAC that there was a death in his family and that he would miss his meeting at their office. There has been no documentation to confirm the family death, and he did not appear for his omnibus hearing. The court ordered a $25,000 warrant. Judge Mack invited the defense to quash the warrant upon Eagle’s hopeful return.

Justin Wood is at a standstill. His stipulated order of continuance in Jefferson County is dependent on his attendance and completion of Drug Court in Thurston County, but there are complications with Thurston’s Drug Court’s stability at the moment. Wood waived his speedy trial rights in order to learn more and find a resolution. 

Why we are reporting on this:

Our goal is to bring transparency to the Jefferson County legal system. We believe understanding the court system helps highlight what needs to be fixed, as well as what types of support are available within the criminal justice system. It’s hard to change what you can’t see, and we believe transparency will bring the accountability needed.

We also intend this work as an effort to keep the community together when the criminal justice system and stigma isolate individuals disproportionately affected by poverty and oppression. 

Where we get our information from:

Our reporter attends Superior Court and follows up with the legal representation or the judge if anything is unclear.

Our approach to covering the court system:

We follow court cases from arraignment to sentencing, paying special attention to the programs that help the accused find ways to improve their lives and to the places where the legal system fails those whose criminal behavior is the result of unaddressed external issues, such as poverty or abuse.