Lattin Arraigned on Failure to Appear

by Rachel Dahl -- Wesley Austin Lattin, who has been a fugitive from the law for the past 15 years, appearing on America’s Most Wanted list in March of 2015, was arraigned in the New River Justice Court Tuesday afternoon, February 25^th. Last Friday, Sheriff Richard Hickcox, with the assistance of the Sparks SWAT team, responded to a report from the U.S. Marshall’s office that Lattin was suspected to be living in a bunker at his sister’s house off Tarzyn Road, approximately four miles north of Fallon. Judge Ben Trotter explained to Lattin during the arraignment, “You’re here for count one, alleged violation of NRS 199.1335, failure to appear…” on or about the 22^nd day of August 2005 in Churchill County, Nevada, which is a category D felony. According to online reports, at the time he failed to appear for the 2005 jury trial, Lattin had left a suicide note and family members held a memorial service for him. The four charges against Lattin in the August 2005 jury trial include one count of sexual assault on a child under the age of 16, and three counts of open or gross lewdness. All four charges occurred during the time between November of 2002 and April of 2003. A status hearing on the original 2005 case is scheduled for March 3, 2020 at 9:00 a.m. in District Court. At that time, it will be decided whether or not there will be any changes or if the court will be scheduling a new trial date. Trotter explained the list of rights to Lattin and asked him how far he went in school. Lattin replied 10^th or 11^th grade, saying he didn’t remember. “I understand English, I don’t read good, I have a hell of a time reading,” said Lattin. The deputy who appeared with Lattin by closed circuit television, helped him with the necessary forms during the hearing. Because he did not have an attorney, Judge Trotter appointed the office of Charles Woodman to represent Lattin, setting the status hearing in Justice Court for Thursday, February 27^th at 10:00 a.m. At this time the Sheriff's Office is continuing an investigation regarding the involvement of several family members regarding harboring the fugitive Wes Lattin.       Sign up to receive updates and the Friday File email notices. Support local, independent news – contribute to The Fallon Post, your non-profit (501c3) online news source for all things Fallon.