Man sentenced to 12 months

DAVENPORT - A routine traffic stop turned into a high-speed chase, a drug arrest, and, ultimately, a year-long jail sentence for a local man.

Orion White, 43, was sentenced to 12 months and one day in jail on Tuesday, March 18, after failing to appear for his sentencing hearing. White arrived late, citing road construction in Reardan as the cause of his delay.

White, who faced charges of drug possession with intent to distribute, pleaded for leniency, requesting a delayed report date to be present for the birth of his daughter.

He expressed remorse, saying he was committed to change and had been accepted into a firefighting academy.

Judge Barkdull denied his request, stating, "It is time to start. You may not understand it, but I am actually doing you a favor by not doing the DOSA."

White had been considered for a Drug Offender Sentencing Alternative, which would not have reduced his sentence but offered rehabilitation and supervision. Still, the judge opted for standard jail time.

According to court documents, White's legal troubles began on Feb. 12, 2023, when law enforcement attempted to stop his Chrysler 300 on State Route 2.

Authorities say he sped past at over 100 mph, veered into oncoming traffic, and forced other vehicles off the road before fleeing on foot.

Records show a resident later apprehended him, and officers recovered 17.22 grams of methamphetamine, a digital scale, and small baggies commonly used for distribution.

Despite White's plea for more time before reporting to jail, Judge Barkdull denied the request.

"I am not going to argue with you," he said.

Author Bio

Olivia Harnack, Managing Editor

Olivia Harnack is the award-winning managing editor/photographer/videographer/columnist at the Lincoln County Record-Times, with offices in both Davenport and Odessa, Wash. She is a University of Idaho graduate and a U.S. Army National Guardsman.