Wymore Woman Gets Two Years’ Probation
Ciera A. Lerma, 30, of Wymore, was sentenced to 24 months of probation in Jefferson County District Court on Thursday, September 1, 2022. David J.A. Bargen was the presiding judge.
Lerma was originally charged with two counts of possession of controlled substances, methamphetamine and THC wax, each charge a class 4 felony that carries a possible penalty of two years in prison, 12 months of post-release supervision and a $10,000 fine.
In addition, Lerma is charged with possession of a concealed weapon, first offense, a class 1 misdemeanor punishable by one year in jail and a $1,000 fine, and possession of drug paraphernalia, an infraction that carries a $100 fine.
In accordance with a plea agreement, Lerma pleaded Guilty to possession of a concealed weapon and one charge of attempted possession of a controlled substance, a class 1 misdemeanor. The remaining charges were dismissed.
Lerma was one of four suspects arrested on Friday, January 22, 2021, after deputies with the Jefferson County Sheriff’s Office served a search warrant on a residence in Endicott. According to a press release from the Sheriff’s office, items discovered at the scene include illegal narcotics and several firearms. Four individuals were taken into custody.
According to the Warrantless Arrest Affidavit, “Prior to the search warrant, Sheriff Matthew Schultz #933 was conducting surveillance of the residence and saw a female, later identified as Lerma, exit the residence and get into the drivers’ seat of a white Chevrolet Traverse parked in front of the residence. When other deputies arrived for the execution of the warrant, Lerma was found still seated in the white Chevy Traverse in front of the residence and was placed in hand cuffs, and detained.”
The affidavit also noted, “Included in the search warrant was any vehicle parked on the property. The Chevy Traverse Lerma was found and was searched. Lerma declared she had a .22 caliber pistol concealed in her purse and deputies located a Ruger SR22 handgun and two loaded magazines.”
The defendant was represented by Public Defender Scott Gropp, who told the court about his client’s progress, “Miss Lerma has pulled herself out of a significant hole.”
Gropp added, “I think probation will be the right answer.”
