LEWISTON — A mediated agreement is currently in the works for two individuals who admitted to a violent assault on a woman in Lewiston earlier this month.
Samuel R. Garcia, 24, and Cera E.M. Copley, 22, each entered guilty pleas this week in the Nez Perce County 2nd District Court to charges of felony aggravated battery. The charges stem from an incident on Oct. 3 that resulted in significant injuries to the victim.
Attorneys for both defendants are requesting a four-year withheld judgment as part of the proposed agreement, a request that will be formally weighed by the courts during upcoming sentencing hearings. Judge Michelle Evans is scheduled to rule on Copley’s case on Dec. 28, while Judge Mark Monson will preside over Garcia’s case on Jan. 6. Should the judges approve the mediated terms, the defendants would face a period of probation and would be court-ordered to pay restitution to the victim.
The Lewiston Police Department launched an investigation into the matter after the victim reported being physically attacked during the early morning hours of Oct. 3. According to court documents, the victim had arrived in North Lewiston to pick up friends when she was ambushed. As she exited her vehicle, she was allegedly approached from behind and shoved to the ground by Copley.
Court records indicate the confrontation quickly escalated. The victim alleged that Copley began punching her repeatedly, and that Garcia soon joined the assault.
The physical toll of the attack was documented by investigators through the victim’s medical records. According to the court filings, the victim sustained a concussion, a nasal bone fracture, and a periorbital hematoma—commonly known as a black eye—as a result of the altercation.
While the plea deal suggests a lighter sentence, the crime of felony aggravated battery carries a severe maximum penalty under Idaho law. If the court decides against the mediated agreement, both Garcia and Copley could face up to 14 years in prison, a fine of up to $50,000, or a combination of both.
The proceedings have drawn attention due to the violent nature of the attack and the status of the legal resolution. Prosecutors and defense counsel have not yet commented on whether the victim supports the current plea agreement.
As the sentencing dates approach, the court will determine whether the proposed probation and restitution package is an appropriate resolution for the defendants or if the case warrants the more severe statutory penalties associated with aggravated battery. Both defendants remain subject to court oversight as the Dec. 28 and Jan. 6 hearings draw near.
Disclaimer: This content is auto-generated for informational purposes only.
Source: Read Original News
