Court News

Maintaining a drug trafficking place A Michigan man caught up in a police drug operation in Shawano over the weekend was charged Thursday with maintaining a drug trafficking place for allegedly delivering marijuana out of his vehicle. Truman D. Hawkins, 45, also faces a felony count of possession with intent to deliver marijuana. The felony counts each carry a maximum possible penalty of 3 1/2 years in prison and a $10,000 fine if found guilty. Hawkins in also charged with misdemeanor counts of possession of marijuana and drug paraphernalia. Hawkins was arrested in the parking lot of the Brickstone Inn, 622 E. Green Bay St., early Saturday after a confidential informant met him at the bar and arranged a drug transaction, according to the criminal complaint. Police seized more than 15 grams of marijuana, according to the complaint. Hawkins was ordered held on a $2,200 bond after a court appearance Thursday. He is due back in court for an adjourned initial appearance on June 2. Seventh-offense OWI A Gresham man was bound over for trial after a preliminary hearing Monday on a felony charge of seventh-offense operating while intoxicated. Jay P. Katchenago, 59, was arrested May 14 after authorities responded to a report of a vehicle traveling eastbound in the westbound lane of state Highway 29. He was pulled over after exiting onto County Road MMM. According to the criminal complaint, Katchenago has five prior convictions for OWI in Shawano County and one in Menominee County. Katchenago could face a maximum possible 10 years in prison and a $25,000 fine if convicted. He was freed Wednesday on a $3,500 bond and is due back in court for a pre-trial conference on July 8. Burglary A Bowler man was scheduled for a preliminary hearing Tuesday on charges of breaking into the Gresham Utilities building earlier this month and stealing copper wire. Jason R. Vasquez, 29, could face a maximum 12 1/2 years in prison and $25,000 fine if found guilty. He also faces misdemeanor counts of theft and criminal damage to property. He is accused of burglarizing the Gresham Utilities building at 700 River St. on May 10. According to the criminal complaint, he was identified by surveillance video. Vasquez was being held on a $2,500 cash bond.