Defendant Fails to Show for Sentencing Hearing in District Court

A sentencing hearing for a man charged felony forgery will be rescheduled due to the defendant’s failure to show up for the hearing. Sheridan Media’s Ron Richter has the details.

In December of 2020, Cory Morton was arrested and charged with eight counts of Felony Forgery for issuing checks from a closed checking account that once belonged to his deceased father. The checks were issued at several different businesses in Sheridan last year between December 18 and the 22. On April 15, Morton at a change of plea hearing in District Court in Sheridan, pleaded guilty to all eight counts as part of a plea agreement that was reached with the State. Morton failed to show up for a sentencing hearing that had been recently scheduled in District Court. Morton also failed to complete a presentence investigation with Probation and Parole prior to the sentencing date.

District Court Judge John Fenn issued a bench warrant for Morton’s arrest and said a new sentencing date will be set once Morton is found and taken into custody. Each count of felony forgery is punishable by up to 10 years in prison and a fine of up to $10,000.