On April 21, New River Justice Court Judge Ben Trotter arraigned Jillian Sasser and Ronald Smith. Both defendants were arrested by the North Central Narcotic Task Force (NCNTF) last Friday.
Jillian Jean Sasser was arraigned on numerous drug-related charges April 21. The charges include; Case 1, count (1) Possession of a Schedule 1 or 2 Controlled Substance for The Purpose of Sale a first offense, a Category D Felony, that carries 1-4 years in prison. The allegations state that on April 16, at or around 100 Serpa Place, Apartment E, Sasser possessed 7.9 grams of methamphetamine for the purpose of sale. (2) Possession of a Controlled Substance first or second offense, a Category E Felony (also 1-4 years). According to the criminal complaint, Sasser was in possession of seven diazepam pills. (3) Count three is being an Ex-Felon Possession of a Firearm, a Category B Felony that carries 1-6 years in prison. Sasser, who was previously convicted of trafficking in a controlled substance (14 -28 grams) in 2018, did allegedly possess a Ruger American 9 mm handgun. (4) Possession or Use of Drug Paraphernalia, a Misdemeanor, the allegations state that Sasser possessed micro baggies used in the packaging and sale of illegal drugs.
Case two counts 1- 5, Sasser allegedly commited offenses related to the criminal statute “Offer Attempt or Commission of Unauthorized Act Related to Controlled or Counterfeit Substance at or near a Schools, Bus Stop or Recreational Facility for Minors, Sport or Public Park,” a Category B Felony with penalties varying based on the facts of the offense. (1) On March 12, also at 100 Serpa Place, Sasser did sell a schedule one controlled substance, to a confidential informant mainly methamphetamine, within 100 feet of the City of Fallon softball fields. (2) At the same location on March 18, Sasser sold a schedule one controlled substance, mainly methamphetamine, a confidential informant. (3) On March 23, 2021, Sasser did sell to a confidential informant a schedule one controlled substance, mainly fentanyl. (5) On March 25, Sasser did sell to a confidential informant a schedule one controlled substance, mainly methamphetamine. (4) March 23, 2021, at the same location as above Sasser did sell a schedule four controlled substance to a confidential informant, mainly diazepam. (6) Sasser is also charged with Opening or Maintaining a Place for the Unlawful Sale or Gift or Use of Controlled Substances, a Category C Felony that carries 1-6 years in prison, the allegations state that on March 12, 2021, Sasser did open or maintain a place for the sale of methamphetamine, fentanyl, and diazepam.
Judge Trotter appointed the Churchill County Public Defender’s office to represent Sasser on the cases. Sasser will appear before the court again with her attorney on April 22, 2021.
Ronald Dean Smith was scheduled for arraignment on Use or Possess Drug Paraphernalia Possess with the Intent to Sell a Schedule 1 or 2 Controlled Substance Mainly Gamma-Hydroxy and Flunitrazepam a First Offense, a Category D Felony or above that carries a potential prison term of 1-4 years. Smith claims to have severe hearing impairments, and regardless of numerous accommodations made for Smith in the court, Judge Trotter was unable to communicate with Smith. Judge Trotter attempted to allow lip reading, hearing devices, and communication by writing. When Smith stated that he did not understand any of it, the case reset for April 22. Judge Trotter appointed counsel to represent Smith in hopes that in a different environment, Smith could understand the proceedings. Smith requested Judge Trotter release him on his own recognizance because he claimed he could not understand or hear the proceedings; Judge Trotter denied the request.
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