Kalispell woman pleads not guilty to child endangerment
DERRICK PERKINS | Hagadone News Network | UPDATED 3 years, 10 months AGO
NEWS EDITOR Derrick Perkins serves as News Editor at the Daily Inter Lake. He oversees daily news coverage and works closely with reporters to plan, edit and publish stories across print and digital platforms. Perkins helps coordinate coverage of local government, public safety, business and community developments throughout Northwest Montana. He works with the reporting staff to strengthen journalism while maintaining consistent daily coverage. His role helps ensure the newsroom delivers timely, accurate reporting that readers rely on. IMPACT: Derrick’s work keeps readers informed about the decisions and events shaping their communities every day. | October 29, 2022 12:00 AM
A woman accused of driving home drunk from a wedding with her children in the vehicle pleaded not guilty to criminal child endangerment last week.
Celina Marie Riley of Kalispell appeared before Judge Dan Wilson for her arraignment in Flathead County District Court on Oct. 28. The 29-year-old, who was released from custody on her own recognizance earlier this month, is scheduled to return to court for a pretrial conference on Jan. 4.
Authorities arrested Riley after both her spouse and a mutual friend recounted a harrowing trip home from a wedding just after midnight Oct. 16, according to court documents. The two described her driving erratically and said that at one point her spouse exited the vehicle and attempted to pull the couple’s children out, court documents said. She allegedly sped up, driving off with the kids and a still open passenger door.
Riley, by then in her Kalispell home, allegedly agreed to undergo field sobriety tests and showed signs of impairment, according to court documents. A preliminary breath test put her alcohol level at twice the legal limit, court documents said.
If convicted, Riley faces up to 10 years in Montana State Prison and a $50,000 fine.
News Editor Derrick Perkins can be reached at 758-4430 or [email protected].
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