District Court Sept. 8, 2026

The Tenth Judicial District Court convened Tuesday, Sept. 8, with Judge Thomas Stockard presiding.

Aubrie Elizabeth Steelmon appeared for arraignment. Judge Stockard noted Steelmon had missed two drug tests and asked what a test would show that day. Steelmon said she had taken prescribed medication but had not taken anything else. Stockard ordered her tested.

Court Services reported Steelmon tested positive for alcohol. Public Defender Jacob Sommer told the Court he believed his client was clear-minded and able to proceed with the arraignment.

Steelmon pleaded guilty to Burglary of a Building, a Category D felony punishable by 1-4 years in prison and a fine of up to $5,000. The factual basis given was that Steelmon broke the window of a residence and attempted to enter.

She also pleaded guilty to Harassment, a misdemeanor punishable by up to 180 days in jail and a fine of up to $1,000. The factual basis given was that Steelmon confronted an individual and made a verbal threat.

Judge Stockard ordered a presentence investigation and set sentencing for Nov. 10.

Stockard then addressed Steelmon's Court Services violations, including missed tests on Aug. 31 and Sept. 3, and the positive alcohol test that day. Steelmon said she missed testing Aug. 31 because she had been hit by a car while riding her bicycle the previous day. She said she missed the Sept. 3 test because she had again been hit by a car on Sept. 2.

Steelmon said she drank the previous day because she was in pain. She told the Court she was taking the case and Court Services seriously, “but I hurt.”

Sommer said the incidents involved a domestic situation and that someone Steelmon lives or had lived with was the person who struck her both times.

Senior Deputy District Attorney Chelsea Sanford asked the Court to revoke Steelmon's release on her own recognizance.

Sommer said there were extenuating circumstances that did not excuse Steelmon's violations but provided context. He said they were also trying to get Steelmon into Mental Health Court. Sommer said his client understood the seriousness of the situation and that the Court could jail her. The defense asked for “one last chance.”

Court Services Director Brenda Ingram reported Steelmon had also missed testing July 21, when Steelmon said she was “gone camping,” and Aug. 18, when she said she was ill. Ingram said Steelmon had also not consistently called in as required.

Stockard verified Steelmon had a working phone and warned that another missed check-in or test would result in a warrant and jail time.

Kevin Jay Chico, in custody, refused to appear for his arraignment, as he has done for several scheduled hearings.

Senior Deputy District Attorney Chelsea Sanford requested the case be trailed to the end of the day's docket and that Judge Stockard order the Sheriff's Office to use the least amount of force necessary to bring Chico before the Court, either in person or via Zoom from the jail.

Chico, Public Defender Jacob Sommer, and Deputy Public Defender Kenneth Tedford later appeared via Zoom from the jail.

Stockard arraigned Chico on two counts: Battery by a Probationer, Parolee, or a Prisoner, a Category B felony punishable by 1-6 years in prison; and Battery Causing Substantial Bodily Harm, a Category C felony punishable by 1-5 years in prison and a fine of up to $10,000.

Chico refused to engage in the proceedings or enter pleas. Stockard entered not guilty pleas on his behalf and set trial for Oct. 7-9.

Christy Hinch failed to appear for a sentencing violation hearing. Her probation officer told the Court that Hinch’s spouse said she left their home following a discussion with her attorney a few days earlier, and he has not heard from her since.

Judge Stockard issued a $10,000 bondable warrant.

Georgina Lynn Brown failed to appear for her scheduled status hearing; the hearing was continued to Sept. 22.

April Ann Gilliland's arraignment was continued to Sept. 15.