Mercier has domestic violence, disorderly conduct convictions

The man charged with deliberate homicide in the death of 30-year-old Sheena Rose Devine was involved in a domestic dispute with her in February of this year.

Trevor Joseph Mercier, 42, was convicted of partner family member assault and disorderly conduct in that case, and had a no-contact order issued against him that was later rescinded.

Mercier appealed those misdemeanor convictions from Libby City Court to District Court, but they have yet to be adjudicated. An omnibus hearing for the misdemeanors is set for Oct. 17 at 9:30 a.m. in District Court. Mercier also has a preliminary hearing for the homicide charge on Oct. 19 at 2:30 p.m. in Justice Court.

Libby Police Officer Scott Kessel wrote in his report that on Feb. 7 he responded to 404B Third St. in Libby. Mercier and Devine were arguing, he threw her to the floor and began to choke her and slammed her head against the floor, Kessel wrote. In the report, Devine said she scratched and punched at Mercier to get away, then ran next door and asked a neighbor to call police.

Devine had scratches on her forehead and the side of her neck and finger impressions on her neck, Kessel wrote. Mercier had scratches near both eyes and on the side of his neck.

Mercier was arrested that night and released on his own recognizance on Feb. 11 after initially being held on a $3,500 bond.

Counselor C. Peter Volkmann wrote on March 14 that, in his opinion, “It would be safe to cancel the no-contact order,” which Libby City Court Judge Lucille Briggs did on March 18.

The assault and disorderly conduct cases went to trial on Aug. 18, but Mercier didn’t show. He was found guilty and ordered to pay fines of $185 and $585 and sentenced to 10 days in jail for disorderly conduct with five days suspended for six months and 180 days for assault with all suspended for one year. He was ordered to enroll in and complete 40 hours of counseling.

The sentencing document said Mercier and Devine were “arguing about recent romantic infidelities.” In addition, the document said Mercier was intoxicated, using loud, abusive and profane language during the domestic disturbance, while being transported to jail and in the booking room.

Briggs found that Mercier caused Devine to be in fear of further bodily injuries.

Mercier’s appeal was filed Sept. 2.

Although court documents in the homicide case give an address of 1001 Louisiana Ave. (behind McDonald’s), the Aug. 18 sentencing document said he and Devine were domestic partners at 404B Third St. However, Sierra Johnson, said they were no longer together and that Mercier had lived next door to her a block away from Devine for several months.

Caleb M. Soptelean can be reached at 293-4124 or by email at csoptelean@thewesternnews.com.