DEFENDANT’S WILD REACTION TO 50 YEAR SENTENCE

On Sept. 19 at about 1:30 p.m., James Wasson appeared before District Judge Ed McLean for sentencing in one of three cases he pleaded not guilty to last fall. The case under McLean’s jurisdiction involved both a stolen vehicle and hit and run that Wasson pleaded not guilty to last November. In Wasson’s plea bargain, he and his defense attorney, J.B. Anderson of Dillon, asked for an 8-year prison sentence with 4 years suspended in exchange for Wasson pleading guilty. Due to Wasson’s history, McLean said the court would not follow his plea agreement, and Wasson would be sentenced to the maximum 50 years in Montana State Prison with no suspension if he pleaded guilty.