Uncooperative convict snarls sentencing timeline

Flathead District Judge Robert Allison had some harsh words for a defendant whose actions delayed a sentencing hearing for several weeks.

Joshua James McCormick, 20, of Columbia Falls, previously pleaded guilty in Flathead District Court to felony criminal distribution of dangerous drugs. However, he never appeared at the probation and parole office to turn in the required information for his presentence investigation report.

The reports combine past criminal history, biographical information and other relevant facts about the defendant to be reviewed as part of the sentence determination.

After pleading guilty in October, McCormick failed to show up at the probation and parole office for his appointment, did not turn in his information and did not reschedule the appointment.

So when McCormick appeared for his sentencing on Dec. 19, there was no way the hearing could go forward.

McCormick said he works 60 hours each week and gets in trouble at work if he is caught using his phone.

“Well they can’t put you in jail,” Allison responded, later adding, “You’ve effectively postponed this thing by two months.”

McCormick told Allison he had finally turned in the information in the previous 24 hours. The sentencing was rescheduled for Feb. 13.

His guilty plea in the case came as part of a plea agreement that dismissed a pair of other cases charging him with another count of drug distribution and burglary.

McCormick previously was convicted of a federal firearms charge.

Reporter Jesse Davis may be reached at 758-4441 or by email at jdavis@dailyinterlake.com.