Bates committed to DOC, fined for DUI
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POLSON — A Polson man was ordered to pay restitution and fines of $6,030 after being convicted of felony DUI. The restitution was ordered during a sentencing hearing held at District Court in Polson Nov. 9. Zachery Verne Bates, 33, was initially facing felony DUI and felony theft for stealing his mother’s SUV.
According to court records, on July 27, a woman called law enforcement to report her son, Bates, had just stolen her 2004 GMC Yukon from her residence. A law enforcement officer with the Confederated Salish and Kootenai Tribes intercepted the Yukon on U.S. Highway 93 south of Arlee. The officer observed the Yukon almost drive into the opposite lane of travel, then over the fog line prompting a traffic stop. Bates was identified as the driver. He admitted to swerving all over the road and being intoxicated. He also admitted to stealing the Yukon.
In addition to the restitution, which included a fine of $5,000 for DUI, Judge Deborah “Kim” Christopher committed Bates to two years with the Montana Department of Corrections, plus two years of supervised release. The judge also recommended Bates attend the DOC’s residential alcohol treatment program.
A plea agreement reached on Sept. 10 called for the theft charge being dismissed at sentencing. Bates was given credit for having served 102 days in the Lake County jail.
