Ullom gets 15 years during law day

WALLACE — Thursday was law day in Shoshone County and District Judge Scott Wayman heard several cases throughout the day. Among them were the arraignments of Steven Foster, Theodore Leal, and the sentencing of Terry Ullom.

Ullom was found guilty in August of this year on charges of domestic battery (a misdemeanor) and attempted strangulation (a felony). The charges stem from an incident on April 1, 2019, where Ullom viciously assaulted his former girlfriend in Mullan, and was subsequently shot in the head in self-defense by his victim.

After hearing testimony for both sides, including an emotional impact statement from the victim and character witnesses for Ullom himself, Judge Wayman allowed the attorney’s one last chance to speak.

Shoshone County Prosecuting Attorney Keisha Oxendine mentioned how Ullom had demonstrated a pattern of using his charisma to skirt accountability for his actions. She further stated that Ullom used this charisma to his benefit and that his behavior was only that of a law-abiding citizen when it was to his benefit.

She then requested that Wayman give Ullom credit for time served for the misdemeanor charge (180 days) and for the court to impose the 15-year maximum possible sentence for the attempted strangulation charge, including eight years fixed and the remaining seven being indeterminate.

It was argued by Ullom’s defense and by his character witnesses that, while this had been tragic for all parties involved, the injuries Ullom had suffered were punishment enough and hoped that it would persuade Wayman into showing leniency.

Ullom’s attorney requested a reduced sentence, but hoped that the court would retain jurisdiction in the case.

Wayman also allowed Ullom a chance to speak — which he used to offer an apology to his victim.

Judge Wayman was eloquent when it came time to make his determination.

He explained that the goals of sentencing made it possible for him to consider a multitude of options, including the recommendations made by both the state and the defense. He also elaborated on how he recognized that there are two sides to Mr. Ullom. A side that is made up of his redeeming qualities and the other side that beat and attempted to strangle his girlfriend.

Considering all of these factors, and taking into account the recommendations from both parties, he handed down a sentence of 15 total years- including five years fixed and the other 10 years being indeterminate and that the court would not retain jurisdiction. He also ordered a 15-year no contact order be put into effect between Ullom and his victim.

Leal, a Washington resident, was arrested on Aug. 19, after Shoshone County dispatch received a call of a fully nude male running eastbound on the freeway near milepost 61. Officers made contact with Leal around 1 p.m.

The incident did end in his arrest, but only after he resisted by fighting or pulling away from the law enforcement officer, as well as attempting to remove the deputy's firearm.

Leal appeared before Judge Wayman via Zoom, where he entered a not guilty plea on the charges he acquired from the incident, which included one felony count of removing a firearm of a law enforcement officer, as well as a misdemeanor charge of resisting or obstructing an officer.

Leal’s next hearing will be held at a later date, where his lawyer anticipates a resolution before trial.

Foster, 58, was charged on March 1 with stalking in the first degree, a felony and violating a no contact order, a misdemeanor.

According to court documents, these charges were brought on from instances in which Foster knowingly and maliciously engaged in persistent harassment of the victim in the case, causing substantial emotional distress by way of Facebook posts, as well as phone calls to the victim.

In doing so, Foster’s actions were also in violation of a no contact order which was issued in February 2020.

Foster appeared before Judge Wayman, seeking a global resolution, which would consolidate all of his charges including a felony drug charge in Kootenai County, which he is currently serving time for.

Wayman credited Foster for time served which was 120 days, and proceeded to close out both of the cases.