Plains vandal summoned to court
Sanders County attorney Colleen Magera summoned Jason Gohl, of Plains, to county court for vandalizing seven storefronts in Plains on June 15. Gohl was officially charged in the middle of July with felony criminal mischief for causing over $3,000 worth of damages to seven businesses in downtown Plains. Gohl was set for judgment hearing in front of Judge McNiel on Tuesday, July 27.
Sanders County attorney Colleen Magera summoned Jason Gohl, of Plains, to county court for vandalizing seven storefronts in Plains on June 15. Gohl was officially charged in the middle of July with felony criminal mischief for causing over $3,000 worth of damages to seven businesses in downtown Plains. Gohl was set for judgment hearing in front of Judge McNiel on Tuesday, July 27.
Plains Police Chief Shawn Emmett did not know what the outcome of the court case would be as of yet because it is up to the county attorney to decide, but Emmett said he is fairly positive Gohl, if he pleads guilty or is found guilty, would have to pay restitution to the businesses for the damages he has caused.
Gohl allegedly caused damage to the outside of Colyer Oil, Rocky Mountain Bank, Coldwell Banker, Mountain West Clothing, Garden Gift and Floral, the Mint Casino and High Plains Bar and Grill.
The most costly damages occurred outside of Mountain West Clothing as two flower pots owned by McGowans Grocery were demolished. Erika Lawyer, Office Manager at McGowans, said they took a low estimate and each pot cost around $600 a piece.
Lawyer said it took employees four hours to clean up the damage. In addition to the broken flower pots, Lawyer said one of the glass doors leading into Mountain West Clothing and Calamity, Anne and Belle was scratched during the vandalism and will most likely have to be replaced.
"I don't think we'll get any restitution. It's just a loss for us," said Lawyer the week after the vandalism.
A trail of video evidence led Emmett to Gohl, who was captured on security surveillance at both Garden Gift and Floral, Colyer Oil and a clear picture of Gohl tearing down a banner from the Mint Casino's security camera led police to identify the suspect.
While reviewing footage from Colyer Oil, Emmett said one of the clerks identified Gohl by his first name, along with friends of the subject in question. Emmett said he has had dealings with Gohl in the past and from the information gathered he was able to send the suspect's information to the county attorney, who officially filed the charges.