Lewiston judge issues bench warrant for woman

By Sarah Ali

November 28, 2005 | LEWISTON -- Judge Evan Hall of the Lewiston City Justice Court issued a warrant for the arrest of Anne Merchant after she failed to appear in court for her second hearing Tuesday. Merchant, who owes Cache Valley Tire owner Reid Wallentine $400 for labor and parts for the repair of her vehicle, was to appear in court to list all her assets.

"She's got assets she's trying to hide," Wallentine said. Among the assets that Merchant was to claim were two horses. "If you can't pay your own rent, can't pay your bills, can't pay to get your car fixed, you sure don't need horses," he said. "I grew up with horses on the farm and they're expensive pets, you shouldn't have 'em if you don't need 'em."

Merchant, who came to Lewiston from Arizona a short while ago, has left town and is now in Ogden, according to Wallentine. City Clerk Julie Bergeson said they have an address of her suspected location.

Judge Hall issued the warrant for the arrest with a $400 bail. Hall said that if she posts bail, $70 of the amount will go to pay for court fees and the rest he will give to Wallentine, which is what he usually does in such cases.

"If she doesn't appear in court again after her arrest, we'll just put another warrant out and do the whole process again, until Reid gets paid in full," Hall said.

Hall said most small claims relating to businesses can be taken care of by simple stopping by the shop and letting the people know you're working on making a payment. "Court is the last option because it just adds unnecessary fees," Hall said.

The small town judge said that it is sometimes difficult for him to do his job because most of the people who come in are his friends, neighbors and former students. Hall taught for 31 years various Cache Valley high schools before becoming the city's Justice Court judge. He has served as the judge for the last 15 years.

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