District Court News

The Tenth Judicial District Court convened Tuesday, January 19th, 2021, with Judge Tom Stockard presiding.   

`Debbie French pled guilty to two drug-related charges, per the terms of plea negotiation. (1) to offer, attempt, or commission of unauthorized act relating to the manufacturing or compounding of certain controlled substances, a first offense class C felony with a potential penalty of 1-5 years in prison. (2) high-level possession of a controlled substance, a class C felony that carries 2-15 years in prison and a potential fine of up to $50,000. According to the allegations, on September 29th, French sold methamphetamine to a cooperating source. Additionally, on November 3rd, she had in her possession approximately 75 grams of methamphetamine. Judge Stockard ordered a presentencing-investigation (PSI) and scheduled sentencing for April 13th. 
Jesse Fritz appeared for sentencing on charges of Conspiracy to Violate the Uniform Controlled Substances Act and Possession of a Controlled Substance. According to defense counsel, Charles Woodman, Esq., Fritz was arrested after selling $40 worth of methamphetamine to a cooperating source. Additionally, methamphetamine was found on his person while being searched during the arrest. Fritz received probation on both counts. Both sentences are 24-60 months, were suspended, and will run concurrently. He is also to receive a substance abuse evaluation and follow the recommendations. He is also to receive a substance abuse evaluation and follow the recommendations therein.  
Morgus Cross (in custody) appeared for sentencing on Assault with a Deadly Weapon, a category B felony. Cross received a suspended prison sentence of 12-32 months and must serve 364 days in jail. He is to serve flat time, in which no good-time or work-time credit will reduce toward the term of his imprisonment. He was given credit for 128 days of time served.  
Sara Lignowski (in custody) appeared for sentencing on charges of injury to property, a gross misdemeanor. Early this month, Lignowski was removed from Drug Court for violating the supervisory requirements of the program. According to Assistant District Attorney Jeff Weed, Lignowski willfully damaged her landlord’s property after being evicted last June and intentionally damaged her ex-husband’s property in September. Restitution was ordered in the amount of $1,498.63 and 270 days in the Churchill County Jail. She was given 155 days credit for time served.