Myers death confirmed
Adam Robertson/Mineral Independent | Hagadone News Network | UPDATED 11 years AGO
SUPERIOR – Last week, the Mineral County Sheriff’s Office confirmed the death of James Myers, a Superior resident allegedly involved in a child sex abuse sting in Missoula.
A family member found the former juvenile probation officer’s body in his home. According to Mineral County Sheriff Ernie Ornelas, there was no evidence of foul play and the cause of death is still under investigation.
“A lot of people are saying [it was] suicide, but we have no evidence of that right now,” said Ornelas.
Myers’ body is currently under investigation by the medical examiner. According to the sheriff’s office, the process could take four to six weeks to complete.
Ornelas said it is believed natural causes may have played a part and all possibilities are being considered.
Myers was one of seven people arrested in Missoula in December as part of an operation by the Montana Internet Crimes Against Children taskforce to lure sexual predators into the open. He responded to an online ad posted by the taskforce posing as a woman who wanted to prostitute a young female relative.
Myers was given the choice between a 12 year old and 15 year old girl with an address to go to. When he arrived at the meeting place, he paid the undercover officer $100 for oral sex from the 12 year old and was taken into custody.
Myers was released from prison on a $50,000 bond. His arraignment in Missoula County District Court was scheduled for Tuesday, January 21.
ARTICLES BY ADAM ROBERTSON/MINERAL INDEPENDENT
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The new St. Regis Senior Center was dedicated to Maxine Flemming, a member of the center since 1983. Her name and picture appears on a plaque to be displayed in the new center.
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MINERAL COUNTY – As blizzard-like conditions swept through the area late last week Interstate 90 became an ice rink and accident reports flooded in as traffic tried to navigate the hazardous roads. The heavy snows began on Thursday, Feb. 27, and only let up periodically over the next few days. According to Mineral County Sheriff’s Office dispatch, approximately 12 accidents occurred between Thursday and Sunday, March 2. Most of these were cases where vehicles slid off the road or spun out. According to Montana Highway Patrol Trooper Charles Burton, they were almost all caused by people driving too fast on the slick roads. “The weather has definitely been a factor,” Burton said. “People need to slow down a bit.” Burton also responded to an accident where a vehicle with a trailer hit some ice and the trailer fell over. On Friday, Feb. 28, Mineral County Sheriff Ernie Ornelas and the Mineral County Sheriff’s Deputies were kept busy for most of the day assisting with the flood of calls. While there were no investigations opened, the sheriff’s office was on hand to help with the accidents. While the Superior ambulances were also busy responding to calls, there were very few serious injuries. According to Mineral Community Hospital personnel, the hospital did not see many people with injuries resulting from the conditions. Burton said the Montana Department of Transportation was doing the best they could to keep Interstate 90 and the state highways clear. It was a daunting task as the cold temperatures and heavy snow kept the roads slick. The Montana Highway Patrol recommends everyone drive safely and go a safe speed for the road conditions.
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Tucker Smith moves to block a Hot Springs player during a Superior home game earlier this season.