Mom's deferred sentence revoked after drug relapse

A Kalispell mother’s deferred sentence for felony criminal endangerment was revoked Thursday after she violated conditions of her probation.

Jessica Dimler, 31, had been serving a three-year deferred sentence from May 2014 after driving drunk with a 5-month-old and 10-month-old in the vehicle.

On July 21, Dimler admitted using methamphetamine on more than one occasion.

Dimler’s drug problem was said to have stemmed from domestic incidents with her husband. Defense attorney Jessica Polan noted that staying in that environment was a concern of Dimler’s probation officer and that Dimler is currently going through a divorce to address that problem.

Dimler said she had sought treatment in late June through September 2015, but had issues with her husband and went to stay with relatives, which resulted in her stopping outpatient treatment and relapsing in November 2015.

Since the revocation motion was filed in April, Polan said, Dimler began the process to enter Rimrock treatment center, was approved May 20 and is currently waiting for a bed to open. Since that time, Polan said she has talked to Dimler frequently.

“And you’ve been reporting to me that you’ve been sober this whole time since then?” Polan asked her client.

Dimler noted that she maintained her sobriety and dabbed her eyes.

“You have two children you’re taking care of?” Polan asked.

Dimler said “yes,” and her voice choked up as she related the age of each child.

“Lots of reasons to stay sober,” Polan said.

Flathead District Judge Amy Eddy will hold off sentencing, allowing Dimler to receive treatment at Rimrock before she is sentenced.

Eddy said Dimler’s success in the treatment program would be considered in sentencing during the disposition hearing scheduled for Oct. 6.

Hilary Matheson is a reporter for The Daily Inter Lake. She may be reached at 758-4431 or hmatheson@dailyinterlake.com.