Polatis denies allegations he violated his probation
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EDITOR’S NOTE: In a related article published Tuesday, EastIdahoNews.com incorrectly stated that Magistrate Judge Gilman Gardner handed down a sentence of 10 days in jail. Gardner was the original judge on the case but was absent on the day of the sentencing. Magistrate Judge Keith Walker actually gave the sentence. The change in judges was not noted in court documents. EastIdahoNews.com apologizes for the error.
ST. ANTHONY – The so-called “Sunday Bandit” first admitted to a probation violation and then denied it in court Thursday.
As a result, 21-year old Cody Polatis of Salem, will remain in custody with no bond until an evidentiary hearing can be held in July.
Polatis appeared before Magistrate Judge Gilman Gardner during his probation violation hearing. At the hearing, Gardner read the violation Polatis is alleged to have committed — not appearing for a scheduled meeting with his probation officer.
Polatis was placed on probation in Fremont County after he admitted to breaking into a home last fall and stealing multiple pieces of clothing valued at over $1,300 from a teenage girls bedroom.
Gardner asked Polatis if he admitted or denied the violation.
“It has become apparent to me that I did miss an appointment and I just didn’t have correct knowledge of it,” Polatis responded. “I believe in obeying, honoring and sustaining the law. In this case I’m not going to deny it so I want to admit guilty.”
Gardner warned Polatis that if he were admitting to the violation, any defense Polatis may have would no longer be valid.
“You will be guilty of violating your probation and sentenced accordingly,” Gardner told Polatis. “Would you still like to admit it understanding that?”
Polatis then responded that he isn’t actually guilty of violating his probation and entered a plea denying the charge.
Gardner scheduled an evidentiary hearing for next month. During the hearing, the state will be required to prove Polatis did violate his probation.
Polatis will remain in Fremont County Jail until the hearing.
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