Driver pleads not guilty to child endangerment
HILARY MATHESON | Hagadone News Network | UPDATED 10 years AGO
EDUCATION REPORTER Hilary Matheson covers education for the Daily Inter Lake. Her reporting focuses on schools, students, and the policies that shape public education across Northwest Montana. Matheson regularly reports on school boards, district decisions and issues affecting teachers and families. Her work examines how funding, enrollment and state policy influence local school systems. She helps readers understand how education decisions affect students and communities throughout the region. IMPACT: Hilary’s work provides transparency and insight into the schools that serve thousands of local families. | July 26, 2016 5:45 AM
Rhonda Lee Doan, 35, of Kalispell pleaded not guilty to felony criminal child endangerment on Thursday in Flathead County District Court.
She allegedly drove drunk and caused a crash with an 8-year-old in her vehicle.
According to court documents, law enforcement officers responded to a two-car collision on July 4. Officers determined Doan turned her vehicle in front of another vehicle, causing the accident, according to court documents.
Medical personnel notified officers that she reportedly was under the influence of alcohol. Doan allegedly confessed to officers that she consumed two prescription sleeping pills and two glasses of wine. Doan smelled of alcohol, had bloodshot eyes and slurred speech and exhibited signs of impairment after taking field sobriety tests, according to court documents. Doan has two previous DUI convictions.
She was released on $30,000 bond with conditions that include alcohol monitoring. Doan faces a maximum 10-year sentence in Montana State Prison and a fine up to $50,000.
A jury trial is scheduled Jan. 17, 2017.
Hilary Matheson is a reporter for The Daily Inter Lake. She may be reached at 758-4431 or [email protected].
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