Wesley Bryant Behimer was arraigned on charges of abuse, neglect, or endangerment of a child causing mental or bodily harm. According to Lee T. Hotchkin, Esq. representing Behimer, he provoked a physical altercation with a minor. According to Hotchkin, Behimer has exhibited model behavior since the indecent which occurred 15 months ago. After entering a guilty plea, Behimer addressed the court stating, “I could have handled this situation a whole lot differently and it could have had a much better outcome. I am very sorry for what I did. I am doing better every day.”
Assistant District Attorney, Jeffrey Weed, provided photographs to the court showing substantial bruising evidencing the level of injury that was inflicted on the victim. Weed argued that Behimer’s behavior over the year doesn’t mitigate the facts of the incident. “He pulled the victim out of his bed and beat him in the middle of the night,” Weed argued, “There needs to punishment other than him abstaining from criminal activity.” Judge Stockard sentenced Behimer to 364 days in the county jail, suspending the sentence and placing him on probation.
Paul Pete Vitale was arraigned on charges of intimidating a public officer without threat or force, a gross misdemeanor. The penalty for the alleged offense is up to 364 days in the county jail. Vitale entered a plea of not guilty. Represented by Steve Evenson, Esq., Vitale requested a jury trial.
According to Judge Stockard, the court is still in the process of formalizing the procedures for jury trials as COVID restrictions are still in place. Due to the restrictions, jury selection could take longer than the trial, which is estimated to take three days.
Plans are to enclose the witness stand in clear plastic so witnesses can appear without a mask. “We will bring in prospective jurors at staggered times until we can get the number of jurors needed.” Stockard continued, “We are not sure how we are going to manage 12 jurors with the restrictions that are currently in place because they cannot be in closed quarters. It is very likely that the jury will hear the case from the audience area and we will have to broadcast the trial over phone or video.” A trial date was not set and Stockard indicated that it could be as far out as next year.
Michael William Cody Blackburn was arraigned on charges of obtaining or possessing a credit debit card without consent, a Category D felony, which carries a potential penalty of 1-4 years in the Nevada State Prison. Blackburn also was charged with injury to property, a misdemeanor that could result in up to 364 days in the county jail. Blackburn entered into a plea agreement admitting to both charges. Judge Stockard continued sentencing three weeks to give Blackburn to pay restitution to the owners of the damaged property which totaled approximately $821.
Robert Daniel Valde was arraigned and entered a guilty plea for attempting to commit possession of a firearm by an ex-felon, a Category C felony.
Jacob Sommer Esq., defense counsel for Valde, told the court that his client has been dealing with a substance abuse problem that has impaired his judgment. According to Sommer, Valde’s roommate owned the weapon, moved out, and left the weapon behind. Valde placed it in his room for safekeeping and told the owner to come and get it. Even so, “He is adamant that he needs help at this time in his life, “Sommer argued. “He feels he needs drug court – he is scared.” Valde addressed the court stating, “I know what I did was wrong, I realize that. As far as the drugs, I need something –I want to be a better dad, a better son, a better person. I’m a good dude, but at the end of the day, I am a good dude with a drug problem. I need help.”
Judge Stockard granted Valde a suspended sentence of 19-48 months in prison and placed him on Drug Court.
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