State v. Jenny Kearney, Cowlitz County Superior Court Cause No. 24-1-00383-08
After a 4-day trial, the jury returned guilty verdicts for the crimes of Child Molestation in the 3rd Degree and Felony Harassment. Based upon the evidence presented, the jury found that on May 30, 2024, Kearney who was 50 years old at the time, had sexual contact with the male victim who was 15 years old, for the purposes of sexual gratification. The jury also found that that Kearney knowingly and unlawfully threatened to kill the same victim, placing him in reasonable fear the threat would be carried out. The State was represented by Senior Deputy Prosecuting Attorney Jake Lervold. The sentencing hearing is set for January 21, 2026.
State v. Ariel Vance, Cowlitz County Superior Court Cause No. 24-1-00460-08
After a one-day trial, the jury returned guilty verdicts for the crimes of Assault 3rd Degree-of a Law Enforcement Officer, Obstructing a Law Enforcement Officer, and Reckless Driving. Based upon the evidence presented, the jury found that on May 14, 2024, Vance intentionally assaulted a Longview Police Officer while he was performing his official duties. Additionally, the jury found that Vance obstructed the officer during his official duties and drove a motor vehicle with willful or wanton disregard for the safety of persons and property. The State was represented by Deputy Prosecuting Attorney Devon Waldman. The sentencing hearing is currently set for December 17, 2025.
Press Release: Criminal Trials The Week of December 15-19, 2025
PRESS RELEASE: CRIMINAL TRIALS THE WEEK OF DECEMBER 15-19, 2025
State of Washington v. An Meingin, Cowlitz County Superior Court No. 25-1-00660-08
After a two-day trial, a Cowlitz County jury returned a guilty verdict for the crime of Assault in the 2nd Degree, together with a special verdict that Meingin was armed with a deadly weapon. Based upon the evidence presented, the jury found that on September 17, 2025, Meingin who is 46 years of age, assaulted the victim Kevin Poulos with a knife. Meingin confronted the victim, initially threatening him with a slingshot. He then pulled out a knife and lunged toward the victim with the knife. The State was represented by Senior Deputy Prosecuting Attorney Jake Lervold. The case was investigated by the Longview Police Department.
The sentencing hearing is set for December 22, 2025. The crime of Assault in the Second Degree is a class B felony, as well as a violent offense and “strike” offense.
State of Washington v. Taunya Kennen, Cowlitz County Superior Court No. 22-1-00182-08
After a one-day trial, a Cowlitz County jury returned guilty verdicts for the crimes of Theft in the 2nd Degree and Forgery. Based upon the evidence presented, the jury found that on December 24, 2001, Kennen, who is 52 years of age and from Vancouver, did wrongfully exert unauthorized control over funds belonging to Weatherguard in the amount of $3,699.01, with the intent to deprive Weatherguard of those funds. Additionally, the jury found that with the intent to defraud, Kennen did put off as true a forged Weatherguard business check in the amount of $3,699.01, by cashing the check at OnPointe Community Credit Union. The State was represented by Senior Deputy Prosecuting Attorney Alysa Draper-Dehart. The case was investigated by the Longview Police Department.
The sentencing hearing is set for December 24, 2025. The crimes of Theft in the 2nd Degree and Forgery are both class C felonies.