SOUTH BEND - Thomas James Pickernell, 37, of Raymond was sentenced to 3 years and 5 months in prison for third degree assault, domestic violence.
"Although the victim in this case did not want to pursue charges, and had no injuries, we felt that for her safety and the safety of our community, that someone who attempts to strangle another commits a serious crime," Pacific County Prosecutor Mark McClain told the Herald.
"While it is not unusual for a domestic violence victim to later ask that we 'drop' the charges, we know that they crimes often lead to more serious injuries if we do not intervene, something we believe we did here," McClain said.
Pickernell will have to complete mental health and drug evaluations while in prison and complete treatment. Currently there is a domestic violence protection order in place, which is routine in these matters, but according to McClain, the victim asked the court to not impose the order.
"While we believe protection orders are warranted, we also know that victim's frequently want these orders withdrawn and we worked with Crisis Support Network to establish a program where victims receive safety planning and learn about how to later obtain a protection order if necessary, and they return to court with a safety plan and we re-evaluate whether a protection order should remain," McClain explained. "This gives both the victim, the court, and our office more information about this victim's life in order to better evaluate whether these orders should remain. This program did not exist before my term and I thought victim's need a voice in their cases and a means to remain safe."
Pearson Nailed for Two
Years for Meth, Escape
Matthew Mark Pearson, 32, of Long Beach was sentenced to two years on prison for possession of methamphetamine and escape from community custody.
"Mr. Pearson was sentenced to the maximum sentence authorized and he certainly has earned it with 12 prior felony offenses," McClain told the Herald.
Deputies with the Pacific County Sheriff's Office, working in conjunction with a special apprehension unit of the Department of Corrections, sought Pearson, who had earlier absconded from supervision. Following tips, officers were led to a shop in the 4300 block of 147th Lane in Long Beach and observed Pearson.
When Pearson saw the officers, he ran back into the garage and a brief pursuit followed. Pearson was arrested and while searching him, officers located Pearson's jeep in the garage. Inside the jeep was a scale with some residue on the weighing surface. The crime lab determined the substance was methamphetamine.
Pearson will serve 2 years in custody and an additional 1 year on supervision where he will also be required to complete drug treatment.