Tenth Judicial District Court convened December 8th, with Judge Tom Stockard presiding.
Max Starr Bear (in custody) pled guilty to grand larceny of a business, a category D felony that carries a term of 1-4 years in prison. He also pled guilty to possessing a controlled substance, a category E felony that carries a penalty of 1-4 years in prison. According to Jacob Sommer, defense counsel for Bear, he stole approximately $1,600 in merchandise from Walmart. Bear was released on his own recognizance to participate in a residential substance abuse program and is scheduled to appear for sentencing on March 5th.
Jeffrey Allen Clements appeared in District Court for violating the terms of his probation and failing to meet the requirements of the Drug Diversion program. According to Chelsea Sanford, Assistant District Attorney (ADA), Clements tested positive for methamphetamines on more than one occasion, failed to complete a mandated substance abuse program, brought drugs or alcohol into a treatment facility, and driving while under the influence of a controlled substance. Clements, whose probation expires on December 19th, admitted to the violations. Judge Stockard removed Clements from the Diversion program, imposed a suspended prison sentence of 12-32 months, and dishonorably discharged him from probation in Nevada. He is currently in a residential treatment facility in Fresno and plans to stay in California upon discharge.
Ashley Christine Day failed to appear in court after being released on her own recognizance (OR) earlier this month. She was released from custody on December 3rd, after being arraigned on charges of burgling a business. She tested positive for methamphetamines on December 7th and since absconded. Judge Stockard issued a bench warrant with bail set at $45,000, bondable.
Phyllis Corinne Farris, (in custody) was released on her own recognizance (OR). She is facing charges for allegedly stealing her neighbor’s dog. Her case was remanded back to Justice Court and will be heard by Judge Ben Trotter. In the meantime, Stockard instructed Farris she could not have any contact with the neighbor nor the neighbor’s dog.
Robin Alice Harrison appeared for sentencing on a burglary charge, which carries a potential penalty of 1-10 years in prison. According to the pre-sentencing investigation, Harrison has 15 prior misdemeanors and one felony that includes several theft-related convictions and enhances the potential sentence. Public defender, Jacob Sommer, requested that the court place Harrison in the specialty court program based on several extenuating circumstances. According to Sommer, his client entered Big R on April 15th, with the intent to commit petit larceny. After being arraigned on the charge, she was placed in the specialty court program on a provisional basis, but she failed to comply with the supervisory requirements. Judge Stockard sentenced her to 364 days in jail on a suspended term of 4-10 years in prison but suspended the term. After completing her jail time, she will be placed on probation and readmitted into the specialty court program. Judge Stockard strongly cautioned Harrison against squandering the opportunity to reenter the program explaining that Churchill County is extremely fortunate to have alternative sentencing options available. "One study found that in some jurisdictions in this country, it is easier to get into Harvard than this type of a program," stated Stockard.
Serrina Marie Thornton appeared for sentencing for battery of a prisoner, a category C felony. According to Chief Deputy District Attorney Lane Mills, Thornton jumped her cellmate while she was in custody at the Churchill County Jail. In his argument before the court, Mills stated, “We don’t tolerate that kind of conduct. People in our jail should not be afraid of being beaten while they are in custody.” According to Mills, Thornton has a criminal history that includes a misdemeanor charge of assault with a deadly weapon, is facing a misdemeanor DUI charge in Justice Court, and has a case pending in Lyon County. Charles Woodman, Esq., defense counsel for Thornton, stated that her actions were in response to a threat from her cellmate, who made a shank/weapon by filing a plastic toothbrush handle into a sharp point. Thornton received probation on a suspended prison sentence of 14-44 months and must obtain an evaluation for substance abuse and follow any recommendations therein.
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