Justice Court -- February 10th

Churchill County New River Township Justice Court convened on February 10th, with Judge Benjamin Trotter presiding.

Tyler Fisher (in custody) appeared on three drug-related charges, including Possession of a Schedule I Controlled Substance, a Class E Felony that carries 1-4 years in prison, and Possession of Drug Paraphernalia, also a Class E felony with a penalty of 1-4 years. The allegations state that on February 6th, Fisher was found in possession of methamphetamines and drug paraphernalia while in the custody of the Churchill County Jail, which constituted an additional charge of Possession of a Prohibited Item by a Prisoner, a Class D Felony that carries a potential penalty of 1-4 years in prison. Fisher requested a release on his own recognizance (OR), but Judge Trotter denied the request based on Fisher’s criminal history. The Churchill County Public Defender's Office (CCPD) was appointed to represent him.

Donovan Earl McCann (in custody) was arraigned on multiple charges, including two counts of Battery by a Prisoner while in Lawful Custody, each a Category B Felony that carries a term of 1-6 years in prison. According to the allegations, at or near the intersection of the Reno and Carson Highways, McCann kicked two law enforcement officers while in custody. McCann stated that he had no recollection of the incidents or the officers named in the complaint. Judge Trotter explained that the purpose of the arraignment hearing was to ensure McCann understands his rights and the charges filed against him, however, no facts or details of the case may be discussed at that time. McCann was also charged with Intimidating a Public Officer (where there is a threat to do physical harm or threaten to kill), a Class C Felony that carries 1-5 years in prison. Additionally, McCann was charged with a misdemeanor DUI and Disturbing the Peace after doing donuts on Nevada State Parks property, also a misdemeanor. Bail was set at $35,000 bondable.

Patrick Treavor Owens (in custody) appeared on misdemeanor DUI charges. According to the criminal complaint, on February 7th at the intersection of the Austin Highway and Rio Vista Drive, Owens was in control of a motor vehicle while being under the influence of alcohol with a blood-alcohol level of .08 or more. Owens pled guilty to the charge, along with driving without insurance or registration.  He received a suspended sentence of 30 days in jail, was ordered to complete DUI school, and complete a victim impact panel. Owens stated that he intended to go directly into a residential substance abuse treatment program upon release.

Sean Renfroe (in custody) was arraigned on charges of Possession of Controlled Substance and Possession of Drug Paraphernalia, both Class E Felonies that can carry 1-4 years in prison. Renfroe requested an OR release, which Judge Trotter granted based on his time in the community and with the provision that he will be supervised by Court Services, call in daily, and submit to random drug testing. The Churchill County Public Defender’s Office was appointed to represent Renfroe.