The Nevada 10th Judicial District Court convened Tuesday, August 11th, 2020, with Judge Tom Stockard presiding.
Andrew Ryan Crutcher was arraigned on charges of robbery against a vulnerable person, a Category B felony, and attempting to commit a bomb threat, a Category C felony. According to Chief Deputy District Attorney, Lane Mills, on March 23rd, Crutcher threatened to use a bomb on anther individual’s residence, a felony that carries a sentence of 1-6 years in prison. On April 4th, Crutcher also allegedly used force or violence to take possessions from a disabled person; beating him, handcuffing him, and ultimately leaving him in a bathroom stall at the Fairgrounds. The charge carries 2-15 in years in prison with an enhancement for committing a crime against a vulnerable person. Crutcher was initially charged with attempted murder, false imprisonment, battery causing substantial bodily harm, and destroying evidence. He plead guilty on both counts stating, “I was on dope when I was doing all of this. I need help and I need it bad.” Crutcher, currently in custody at the Churchill County Jail, will appear for sentencing on November 10th.
Arthell James Duplessis appeared for arraignment and sentencing on DUI charges. After noticing the defendant slightly slurring his words, Judge Stockard ordered a breathalyzer test during court. Duplessis registered a blood alcohol level of .01 confirming the use of alcohol within the last eight hours. Duplessis, under supervision elsewhere on a separate DUI, received a suspended sentence and must also wear an ankle monitor that registers his blood alcohol level. Judge Stockard also ordered Duplessis to obtain a substance abuse evaluation and follow all recommendations therein.
James Lewis Greene, Jr. appeared for arraignment and initially entered a guilty on two counts of fraudulent use of a credit debit card which each carry 1-4 years in prison. The victim in the case is elderly, thus Greene could also face an enhancement charge. When asked by Judge Stockard what happened, Green reported to the court that had been permitted to use the credit/debit card in question, which belonging to a family friend.
Judge Stockard rejected Greene’s guilty plea stating, “I can’t accept the plea if you haven’t committed the crime.” Chelsea Sanford, Assistant District Attorney, in opposition to the statement made by the defendant, reported that there is evidence that Greene’s permission did not extend to making withdrawals for personal benefit. The initial charges also allege he embezzled $3,500. A status hearing was set for August 25th. “We will re-arraign you in one week and set a trial date,” stated Stockard. “You deserve to put your evidence before the court.”
James Michael Lynch appeared for sentencing on three drug-related charges. Two counts include an offer, attempt, or commission of unauthorized act relating to a controlled substance. Lynch was allegedly in possession of cocaine; 3 grams on count (1) and 4.2 grams on count (2). According to Assistant District Attorney (ADA), Chelsea Sandford, count (3) states an additional 34.5 grams where found in Lynch’s vehicle along with other items used in the sale of a controlled substance. Sandford also reported that Lynch brought a total of 20 ounces or 566 grams of cocaine into Churchill County from Reno in the last six months. “In the defendant’s own words,” stated Sanford, “he is not addicted to cocaine, but he is addicted to making money.”
Lynch, a US Army veteran, has no prior felony convictions. According to his defense counsel, Charles Woodman Esq., Lynch has been 100% compliant with Court Services' supervision requirements since his release. In his statement to the court, Lynch said, “I want to apologize for my behavior and being in front of the court. Being in jail got me sober and clean –that guy that was drinking and doing cocaine, that’s not me. I am back to who I am.” Lynch received probation and suspended sentences of 28-72 months with a $2,000 fine on count #1, 19-48 months on count #2, and 12-36 months and will have to forfeit all cash seized from his vehicle. All sentences were suspended to will run concurrently. Recent legislative changes increased the limit of drugs in trafficking cases from 28 grams to up to 100 grams, thus Lynch’s activities were not classified as drug trafficking.
Dean Patrick McGee was re-arraigned on a DUI after testing positive for methamphetamines during court proceedings last week. The court remanded him into custody on August 11th to ensure that he was not under the influence of intoxicating substances when he entered his plea. McGee re-entered a guilty plea for driving a motorcycle under the influence on October 30, 2019, at the intersection of Taylor and Center Street where an accident ensued. As McGee has a prior felony DUI conviction, he faces a mandatory prison term of 2-15 years.
Tyler Dean Moore entered a guilty plea on charges of driving under the influence (DUI) causing death or substantial bodily harm which carries a potential penalty of 2-20 years in prison.
Mitchell Allen Sexton entered a guilty plea on one count of possession of a controlled substance and received a suspended of 12 months.
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