RAPID CITY, S.D. — Three Washington state residents accused in the beating of a South Dakota Highway Patrol trooper have pleaded guilty and agreed to testify against a fourth suspect.
Desiree Sukert, 26, and sibling Chase Sukert, 24, both of Renton, and Jonathan Melendez, 22, of Kent, pleaded guilty Tuesday to a drug charge and to being accessories in the Oct. 24, 2015, assault of Trooper Zachary Bader during an I-90 traffic stop east of Rapid City. They each face up to 20 years in prison and $40,000 in fines.
Pennington County prosecutors agreed to drop illegal use of a firearm and other drug charges in a deal that calls for the three suspects to testify against co-defendant Donald Willingham, 34, also of Renton. He faces the most serious charges in the case including attempted murder. He has pleaded not guilty and remains jailed on $5 million bond.
In April, a judge granted a request by Willingham’s defense for a separate trial. His attorneys maintained that the three co-defendants made incriminating statements about Willingham. Defense lawyers also want to cross-examine the co-defendants at trial, but that wouldn’t be possible in a joint trial.
Authorities say the traffic stop led to the recovery of more than 50 pounds of marijuana, $33,000 in cash and a handgun. Bader spent two weeks at a Rapid City hospital being treated for injuries that included skull and facial fractures.
Talk to us
> Give us your news tips.
> Send us a letter to the editor.
> More Herald contact information.