Cops and Courts Followup, June 23

 •  Two of the three people arrested during a drug bust in May could stand trial in the next two months.

The trio in question consists of Blanca Isabel Vazquez-Cortes, 32, Raul Perez Garcia, 53, and Salvador Zarate, 21 — all of whom were arrested and charged with felony drug trafficking after authorities seized methamphetamine, heroin, cocaine and almost $30,000 in cash from their Burnsville home.

Each faces six counts of first-degree drug possession with intent to sell, a charge that carries a maximum penalty of 30 years in prison and a $1 million fine.

The status of each defendants' case is as follows:

-Zarate: On June 6, Zarate's counsel put in a demand for a speedy trial. He is scheduled for a contested omnibus hearing on July 15. If the state and the defense cannot come to an agreement, Zarate will stand trial on Aug. 16.

-Garcia: On May 13, Garcia's counsel has requested additional information concerning the state's use of confidential informers. Garcia is scheduled for a settlement conference on June 29. If the state and defense cannot reach an agreement, Garcia will stand trial on July 19.

-Vazquez-Cortes: Cortes will have an omnibus hearing on June 27 where she will either make a plea or contest the charges against her.

To read the original story, click : "Three Arrested for Felony Drug Trafficking in Burnsville" posted on May 9.

• Antoine Montrell Goodman: The 20-year-old Minneapolis man is scheduled for a court appearance in Dakota County next week. However, there are warrants out for his arrest on other cases in Hennepin County, which could indicate that Goodman is MIA.

Goodman was charged with first-degree possession of cocaine, child endangerment and possession illegally carrying a weapon after Burnsville police found him riding in the back seat of a car with a loaded pistol on the floor and an infant in a car seat beside him. To read the complete story, click : "Burnsville Police Nab Minneapolis Man on Drug, Weapons Charges" posted on May 20.

At Goodman's initial appearance, bail was set at $50,000 or $30,000 with conditions. On May 18, a Dakota County judge issued an order for Goodman's conditional release. Goodman is scheduled for an omnibus hearing on Monday.

However, Hennepin County has issued two warrants for Goodman's arrest since that time after he failed to show for court appearances on two other cases, unrelated to the Burnsville incident. The latest warrant was issued on Tuesday. As of Wednesday, it was still active.

• Kristina Shea Peterson: The 34-year-old Burnsville woman pleaded guilty to charges stemming from an April incident in which she hurled a drinking glass at her ex-boyfriend’s head, cutting him seriously enough to send him to the hospital. Peterson pleaded guilty to domestic assault, contempt of court and on May 12. She will be sentenced on Nov. 30 for these crimes.

Read the original story here: "" posted on April 29.

However, Peterson has chosen to fight charges garnered during a second brush with the law in May, when her ex allegedly found her inside his apartment after he came home from work. On June 6, Peterson pleaded not guilty to violation of a no-contact order and burglary. She is scheduled for a settlement conference on Nov. 30.

Read the original story concerning this case here: "" on May 16.

That is hardly the end of Peterson's legal troubles. At present, there are five additional cases pending against Peterson for harassment, repeated violations of a no contact order and contempt of court.

• Michael Vernon Price: In May, the Minneapolis man was charged with first-degree criminal sexual conduct after authorities say he forced a child to have sex repeatedly in Eagan and Burnsville. Price allegedly abused the victim for a period of four years, from ages 7 to 11.

A nationwide warrant was issued for Price on May 18. It was lifted on May 27, when he appeared for his first day in court. That day, the judge set bail for $100,000 or $40,000 with conditions, including that he should have no contact with the alleged victim or her family.

Currently, Price is not in custody at the Dakota County Jail. 

At an omnibus hearing on Monday, his defense attorney waived his right to a speedy trial. A settlement conference is scheduled for Dec. 21. If no plea agreement is reached, Price will stand trial on Jan. 9, 2012. 

To read the original story, click here: "" posted on May 19.

• Dylan James Swisher: In early May, the 22-year-old Burnsville man was charged with growing marijuana in his home with the intent to sell it after police confiscated 60 to 70 marijuana plants and growing equipment.

Swisher posted a bond for his release on May 4. He has waived his right to a speedy trial. On Aug. 1 he will have an omnibus hearing.

To read the original story, click here: "" on May 7.