Booking photo for Michelle I. Montanez (Courtesy: Cache County Jail)
LOGAN — A 35-year-old Logan woman is being held in jail without bail on suspicion of breaking into a family member’s home on New Year’s Day. Michelle I. Montanez was booked Wednesday night into the Cache County Jail on multiple offenses.
Montanez was arraigned in 1st District Court Thursday afternoon, appearing by video from jail. She was charged with aggravated burglary, a first-degree felony; robbery, a second-degree felony; criminal mischief, a third-degree felony; and four misdemeanors.
Cache County Chief Deputy Attorney Spencer Walsh told the court how Montanez allegedly went to visit a family member’s home Wednesday. When she found the residence locked, she broke a window and climbed inside.
Montanez reportedly cut her hand on the glass window while making her entry. Once inside the residence, she threatened one of the occupants, allegedly chocking her.
The alleged victim called police during the struggle.
Montanez took the woman’s phone and fled the residence. She was arrested after officers tracked her footprints and tazed her.
Walsh explained that Logan City police officers later found Montanez’s blood on the victim’s neck and on the broken window, corroborating the family member’s story. The defendant also told police that she was going to post bail and flee the area, so she could avoid facing any charges.
Judge Thomas Willmore angrily expressed concern about the allegations against Montanez and ordered her to be held without bail. He also assigned her a public defender and scheduled her to appear in his courtroom January 6.
Court records show Montanez was convicted of misdemeanor assault and domestic violence last year. She could face up to life in prison on the new charges.
will@cvradio.com
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