Backwoods Saloon server charged with illegal alcohol service

Published 4:00 pm Wednesday, November 30, 2005

In connection with a fatal automobile crash on Nov. 6, a server at Backwoods Saloon in Wallowa was charged with furnishing liquor to an intoxicated person and allowing an intoxicated person to consume alcohol.

Jarako J. Holland, 31, of Enterprise was killed when a truck driven by Christopher H. Hammerschmith, 31, of Enterprise rolled over outside Wallowa. Oregon State Police officials suspect alcohol was involved in the incident, but Wallowa County District Attorney Dan Ousley said blood alcohol tests have not been completed by OSP investigators and no other charges have been filed.

Witnesses reported Hammerschmith was at Backwoods before the crash and Jennifer Mansfield, 51, Joseph, allegedly served him alcohol, said Sgt. Randy Palmer with the OSP. She was arrested, cited and released on Nov. 22.

Palmer said charges against the owner of the Wallowa bar are pending, and will likely be served this week.

Palmer said if convicted, Mansfield would face a maximum penalty of one year in prison and a fine of $6,250.

The accident occurred on Highway 82 a third of a mile east of Wallowa heading towards Enterprise. Holland died at the scene, while Hammerschmith was transported by ambulance to the Wallowa Memorial Hospital the night of the crash, treated for minor injuries and released.

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