District Court Oct. 13

The Tenth Judicial District Court convened on Tuesday, Oct. 13, with Judge Thomas Stockard presiding.  

Lauren Nichole Gilmore appeared for a review hearing. Her attorney, Stevie DeSomber, reported that Gilmore had been doing well, was actively working, and had completed the diversion program as ordered.

Chief Deputy District Attorney Lane Mills agreed with DeSomber’s assessment of Gilmore’s progress.

Judge Stockard said he would order the case dismissed.

Georgina Lynn Brown appeared for a status hearing regarding a nontechnical probation violation filed Dec. 5, 2024, for absconding, and a supplemental report filed Sept. 30, 2026, alleging a technical violation and summarizing Brown’s recent activity.

Following a discussion of the violation reports, Judge Stockard ordered the Division of Parole and Probation to prepare and file a single report by 5 p.m. Oct. 14. Brown was ordered to report to the Parole and Probation office that day.

The court also addressed Brown’s failure to appear at a previous hearing.

Churchill County Public Defender Jacob Sommer explained that Brown, who resides in Reno, had arranged transportation to court the previous week, but her ride fell through. Sommer said Brown regretted missing the hearing. “While she's had difficulties she’s been trying to do her very best,” Sommer said.

Judge Stockard set the next hearing for Oct. 27.

Jeffery Robert Schwartz pleaded guilty to Count I, Conspiracy to Commit Domestic Battery by Strangulation, a gross misdemeanor punishable by up to 364 days in jail and a fine of up to $2,000; and Count II, Battery That Constitutes Domestic Violence, a misdemeanor punishable by up to 6 months in jail and a fine of up to $1,000.

Senior Deputy District Attorney Chelsea Sanford told the court the state was prepared to prove that Schwartz conspired with another person to commit domestic battery by strangulation and that he punched or kicked the victim in the face.

Sentencing was continued to Nov. 10.

Alfred Frank Bishop pleaded guilty to the Category C Felony of Non-support of a Spouse, Former Spouse, or a Child, punishable by 1-5 years in prison and/or a fine of not more than $10,000.

CCPD Jacob Sommer said his client had failed to pay child support as ordered and was in arrears over $10,000 and requested that the court defer sentencing for one year to give Bishop a chance to show he will make the agreed monthly payments.

Judge Stockard set sentencing for Nov. 2, 2027.

Steven Glenn Baltazar appeared for sentencing on Discharging a Firearm into an Occupied Structure, Vehicle, Aircraft, or Watercraft, a Category B Felony, to which he pleaded guilty Aug. 11.

Deputy Public Defender Kenny Tedford noted this was Baltazar's first felony conviction following multiple DUI convictions spanning approximately 25 years. Tedford acknowledged the seriousness of the incident and its impact on the victims, but argued it did not stem from “hatred, or malice, or any premeditation in the slightest,” but rather from “a significant alcohol problem” that goes back over two decades.

Tedford said Baltazar had asked how he could help repair the damage he caused and requested a minimum suspended sentence, probation, and diversion.

Baltazar apologized, telling Judge Stockard, “I just want to let the neighbors know there will never be a firearm in the house again.”

One of the victims addressed the court, describing the lasting impact on his wife, whose head the bullet narrowly missed. “Sitting next to my wife during the defense attorney's [argument], it almost made it appear he was making him the victim,” he said.

He described how his wife had become frightened even by ordinary movements outside their home. “Last night, for instance, my wife saw a shadow of a tumbleweed blow by between the neighbor's house, and now she's spooked.”

He asked the court to consider that his wife was severely affected and feared another incident if Baltazar resumed drinking. “All I can do is trust in God and trust in the system to support what we went through.”

After studying the presentence investigation report, the written victim impact statement, and the testimony presented, Judge Stockard said, “I am in a bit of a dilemma.”

Stockard reviewed Baltazar's five prior DUI convictions, noting, “All of these involve instrumentalities that could result in death of many people.” He also observed that Baltazar had demonstrated periods of improvement following previous convictions before returning to the same behavior.

Stockard warned Baltazar, “The words you say now don't mean anything. It’s the life you live going forward. You have shown that you can do it for brief times, but you choose not to. I hope it's different; but if it's not, I won't blink an eye at imposing the sentence and sending you to prison.”

Judge Stockard granted probation on a suspended sentence of 48-128 months in prison. He ordered Baltazar to complete the Western Nevada Regional Drug Court program and prohibited the possession of firearms.

Joseph Abraham Keeling appeared for sentencing on Ownership or Possession of a Firearm by a Certain Prohibited Person, a Category B Felony.

Churchill County Public Defender Jacob Sommer argued that his client “recognizes that this offense is one that concerns important public safety considerations” involving the prohibition of firearm possession. However, Sommer asked the court to consider the circumstances of the case.

“Mr. Keeling did not engage in any act of violence, or threats, or brandishing, or any attempt to endanger another person,” Sommer said, explaining that the firearm was discovered during an unrelated law enforcement contact.

Sommer said Keeling has two children who depend on him for stability and supervision. He noted that becoming a convicted felon was a serious consequence and that probation would ensure Keeling remained accountable. Sommer said his client accepted responsibility and requested a minimum statutory sentence, suspended, with probation.

Keeling told Judge Stockard, “I'm not in any position to make demands. I want to be around people I love and care for.” He asked for the opportunity to be there for his children.

When asked about employment, Keeling said he was not currently working but considered caring for his children and helping his mother to be his job. He also reported receiving child support.

Judge Stockard noted Keeling had been jailed seven times, had not been employed for two years, and was a regular drug user, according to his self-reported history.

“I think it’s time to grow up or go to prison,” Stockard told Keeling.

Judge Stockard granted Keeling probation for 36 months on a suspended sentence of 24-60 months in prison. In addition to standard conditions, Keeling was ordered to obtain and maintain full-time employment within 30 days.

Candice Lee Scollard, in custody, admitted to a nontechnical sentencing violation for absconding from Parole and Probation supervision.

Senior Deputy District Attorney Priscilla Baker told the court that, according to a supplemental violation report filed Oct. 6, Scollard had also been arrested in California on three felony charges and a misdemeanor. Baker said California subsequently withdrew the interstate compact. The state requested revocation of Scollard's probation and imposition of her underlying prison sentence.

CCPD Jacob Sommer questioned when Scollard learned the interstate compact had been withdrawn and what she understood about its status. Sommer asked that she be reinstated on probation, arguing that she needed continued supervision and additional tools to succeed.

Scollard apologized for being irresponsible.

Judge Stockard reinstated Scollard on probation with the additional condition that she remain in custody until the interstate compact is renewed.

Carissa Lee Marshall, in custody, appeared for sentencing on Attempt to Commit Grand Larceny of a Motor Vehicle, a wobbler offense that can be sentenced as either a gross misdemeanor or a Category D Felony.

Senior Deputy District Attorney Chelsea Sanford said Marshall's criminal history included two prior felonies and misdemeanors in Idaho, where she also had an outstanding warrant.

Sanford said a Churchill County deputy observed Marshall enter a truck belonging to a local business at a truck stop and drive away. Marshall drove to Fernley without an accident, and the truck was recovered and returned to the business.

Sanford acknowledged that Marshall was likely experiencing a mental health or other crisis when she saw an opportunity to take the running truck. However, the state noted that this was Marshall's third offense and asked the court to hold her accountable for her actions.

Churchill County Alternate Public Defender Wright Noel said he was not attempting to excuse his client's actions but noted that her criminal history was in Idaho. Noel asked Judge Stockard to sentence the offense as a gross misdemeanor, impose a suspended sentence of 180 days in jail, and grant Marshall probation.

Marshall read from a written statement, acknowledging that her actions were wrong and accepting responsibility. She said she was making a conscious effort to ensure nothing like this happened again. Marshall apologized and said that, if given the opportunity, she would make better choices.

Judge Stockard sentenced Marshall on the offense as a Category D Felony, imposing a suspended sentence of 12-32 months in prison and granting her probation with the condition that she comply with any outstanding warrants from Idaho.

Clayton Shelby Reynolds, in custody, appeared for sentencing on Possession of a Controlled Substance (methamphetamine), a Category E Felony, to which he pleaded no contest Aug. 11.

SDDA Priscilla Baker said that, pursuant to plea negotiations, the state did not object to Reynolds entering diversion. Baker said the state hoped Reynolds would take the opportunity seriously and complete the program.

Senior Deputy Public Defender Jeffery Weed argued that Reynolds' circumstances demonstrated firsthand the struggles of addiction. Weed said his client needed both behavioral health care and substance abuse treatment. He asked the court to grant Reynolds diversion, allowing him to take control of his future and demonstrate what he was capable of accomplishing.    

Reynolds told the court, “I can do this, I know I can. I apologize for any of my actions that made you feel I am not taking this seriously.”

Judge Stockard suspended proceedings and placed Reynolds on probation with the condition that he enter and complete the Western Nevada Regional Drug Court program. Reynolds was ordered to remain in custody until released by Drug Court.

Darius Tyree Fielder, in custody, pleaded guilty to Failure to Stop on the Signal of a Peace Officer, a Category B Felony punishable by 1-6 years in prison and a fine of up to $5,000.

Judge Stockard ordered a presentence investigation and set sentencing for Dec. 15.

Joshua Willie Gordon, in custody, admitted to a nontechnical sentencing violation for failing to complete Drug Court.

Judge Stockard continued the disposition to Nov. 3.