Rummel found guilty in trial, sentencing to occur at later date
<p><strong>Dianne Rummel at her initial appearance in February of this year, shortly after she was formally charged with 16 charges that included 10 felonies involving theft and tampering with public records.</strong></p> <div><strong><br /></strong></div>
THOMPSON FALLS - Dianne Rummel was found guilty by a jury of one of the 16 charges filed against her and as a result, must vacate her office as Clerk of District Court.
The jury trial took place over the course of three days, and after both sides made arguments and interviewed witnesses, the jury convened and reached a verdict of three charges, but remained at an impasse with the rest of the charges, according to court documents. The court ruled upon the guilty verdict, Rummel was ordered to forfeit her office immediately. Rummel was found guilty to the charge of count XVI - official misconduct; not-guilty of count XV - tampering with witnesses or informants, and not-guilty of count XIV - tampering with witnesses or informants.
Prior to the trial, Rummel stood accused of 16 charges, 10 felonies for alleged inappropriate actions regarding her job as Sanders County Clerk of District Court. Documents and charges were filed against Rummel in February of this year, which cited five counts of misdemeanor theft, five felony counts of tampering with public records, three felony charges for allegedly tampering with or fabricating evidence, two felony counts of tampering with witnesses or informants, and one misdemeanor charge of official misconduct.
In the State of Montana vs. Dianne Rummel trial, Judge B. Wheelis presided over the case, and Rummel was represented by attorney Jennifer Streano, and Mari Woods, criminal investigation; also present were Chad Parker, assistant General Attorney with Doug Dryden, detective for Sanders County Sheriffs Office.
Fourteen jurors were sworn in to try the case on day one. Twenty-four different exhibits were offered and admitted for entry into evidence on day two of the trial; and six witnesses took the stand also on day two of the trial.
On day three of the trial, the jury retired at approximately 10:30 a.m. to deliberate the case, and delivered the guilty verdict of the three charges at 3 p.m.
According to court documents, the counsel was instructed to contact the Court Administrator for the date and time for sentencing.