Oconto County Circuit Court

Proceedings from March 7 A continued initial appearance was held for James E. McDonald on a charge of strangulation and suffocation, which allegedly occurred Sept. 8 in Oconto Falls. He is also charged with physical abuse of a child-intentionally cause bodily harm, attempted strangulation and suffocation, and intimidation of a victim, which allegedly occurred Feb. 13 in Oconto Falls. Cash bonds of $500 and $20,000 continue. A status conference and preliminary hearing are March 20. Proceedings from March 5 A plea and sentencing hearing was held for Douglas J. Piontek, 42, Wabeno. He pleaded no contest to a Class I felony charge of manufacture/deliver THC (tetrahydrocannabinols), less than or equal to 200 grams. The court accepted the plea but withheld a finding of guilty, suspending the count for a period not to exceed two years from the date of the plea. He also pleaded no contest to misdemeanor charges of possession of THC and bail jumping and was found guilty. He was sentenced to nine months in jail, imposed and stayed, and two years probation through the Volunteers in Probation program. He must pay $500 in fines plus court costs, plus assessments per the VIP program and Department of Corrections. He must not possess or consume any illegal drugs or controlled substances without a valid prescription. He must have no contact with the victim unless through family court or an attorney or unless it be approved by probation or waived by the victim.