Sanders sentenced

Jamie Doran

Valley Press

A former Hot Springs business owner was sentenced to four years with the Montana Department of Corrections the morning of Jan.10.

Larry “Todd” Sanders, admitted to parole violations, primarily for consuming alcohol which had been prohibited during his probation after serving prison time for assault with a weapon.

Sanders’ attorney, John Smith said that Sanders had been responsible since his release from prison but did admit that his client had a drinking problem.

County Attorney Coleen Magera asked that Sanders go to the Department of Corrections for five years, with recommendations for Connections Corrections and pre-release.

Smith asked that Judge C.B. McNeil show leniency with his sentence. He said that Sanders was almost 65, he had not violated any laws regarding the use of weapons or violence, but that he suffered from a drinking problem.

Smith asked McNeil for five years with one suspended due to good behavior while in his first year of probation. During this time Smith presented two letters of support for Sanders.

McNeil decided to side with Smith and Sanders and sentenced Sanders to four years with the Department of Corrections and substance abuse counseling and treatment.