Brent Smith appeared before Judge Trotter on Thursday, December 3rd, represented by Jacob Sommer with the Churchill County Public Defender Office. Smith is facing charges of driving under the influence causing injury or death.
Sommer requested a six-week postponement to review the extensive discovery on the case so that he can adequately prepare to address the seriousness of the charges. Smith waived his right to a preliminary hearing within 15 days. Chief Deputy District Attorney, Lane Mills, stated that while under the influence of marijuana, Smith was driving the vehicle during the accident that resulted in the death of Miya Bentsen, age 18, of Fallon.
According to a report provided by the Churchill County Sheriff’s Office, on September 20, 2020, at approximately 12:25 a.m., deputies along with fire/rescue and Banner medics, responded to Indian Lakes Road north of Leter Road for a report of a single-vehicle accident with a victim pinned under the vehicle. Bentsen was pronounced deceased on the scene. Smith was transported by medics to Banner Community Hospital and later to Renown Medical Center in Reno.
Sommer argued for Smith to be released on his own recognizance (OR). “The state is adamantly opposed to an OR release or bail,” stated Mills. “This case occurred while the defendant was on parole for burglary and domestic battery by strangulation.” Judge Trotter denied the OR release and set bail at $5,000 bondable. A status hearing was set for January 14th.
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