SAN JUAN COUNTY SHERIFF OFFICE

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Two islanders sentenced in drug cases

posted 06/12/01
Judge Vickie Churchill sentenced Durward Robert Pryne, 42, who pleaded guilty to charges of delivery of heroin and maintaining a drug house, to 87 months in jail yesterday in San Juan County Superior Court. She also sentenced Jesse Paul Skogseth, 20, who pleaded guilty to possession of marijuana with intent to deliver, to 90 days.

After being arrested Dec. 1, 2000 at his Friday Harbor home, Pryne was also charged with intimidating a witness. Prosecutors dropped that charge after Pryne changed his plea. Churchill ordered Pryne to pay a $2,000 fine and $1,500 to the drug enforcement fund of the San Juan County Sheriff’s Office. He must also complete substance abuse treatment and remain in community custody for nine to 12 years after being released from prison.

A detective was informed Skogseth was selling drugs to high schoolers on Orcas Island. According to charging documents, on October 28, 2000, an informant purchased marijuana from Skogseth. On March 2, 2001, a deputy stopped Skogseth’s car and found more than 100 grams of marijuana and more than 100 grams of psilocybin in several baggies and drug paraphernalia.

Two charged with selling heroin in Friday Harbor

posted 12/12/00
Durward Robert Pryne, 42, and Rose Pamela Morrissey, 51, were arrested Dec. 1, 2000 at their home in Friday Harbor for allegedly selling heroin to an informant. The couple were charged with one count of delivery of a controlled substance-- heroin and/or cocaine and one count of maintaining a dwelling for controlled substances.

According to papers filed by the county prosecutor's office, a San Juan county deputy discovered syringes, burnt spoons, soiled cotton, which are used to prepare and use heroin; material for making cocaine bindles, marijuana, marijuana seeds, and a marijuana smoking pipe, and psilocybin mushrooms in the couple's home. While deputies were searching the apartment, several people called to inquire about purchasing drugs and one person came to the door to obtain drugs.

Pryne pleaded not guilty Dec. 6, 2000 and bail was set at $10,000. A Feb. 6, 2001 trial date was scheduled. Morrissey was released on her own recognizance after her arrest, her arraignment was continued and a trial date has not yet been set.

San Juan Islander staff

by mail: San Juan Islander
PO Box 1118
Friday Harbor, WA 98250 USA

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