Raugust released from prison

THOMPSON FALLS – Richard Raugust was released from prison, Friday, on a bond as he awaits a new trial for the 1997 murder of Joe Tash near Trout Creek.

In a hearing Friday morning, Raugust’s attorneys petitioned the Sanders County District Court for the bond on the grounds that Raugust is again considered a defendant in the murder case after the original conviction was overturned. The court’s order for the bond states he must stay within Missoula County and must check in with the Missoula County sheriff as well as his attorney every week.

Raugust was convicted in the 1997 murder and sentenced to life in prison. However, new evidence was brought forward last December, which allegedly supports Raugust’s alibi. In light of this, Judge James Wheelis overturned the 18-year-old conviction and agreed to rehear the case. It was determined the new evidence constituted a violation of due process and was grounds for a new trial.

The trial is being scheduled for some time in August.