District Court News - October 26

The Tenth Judicial District Court convened on Tuesday, October 26, 2021, with Judge Tom Stockard presiding.

Brian Keith Alford appeared for sentencing on charges 1) Possession of a Controlled Substance of a High Level a Category B Felony punishable by 2-15 years in prison (2) Offer, Attempt, or Commission of an Unauthorized Act Relating to the Manufacture or Compounding of Certain Controlled Substances a Category C Felony punishable by 1-5 years in prison.

According to ADA Sanford, Alford has eight prior felonies and has been to prison eight times, dating back to 1986. He was found with 87 grams of methamphetamine in his vehicle and has admitted to selling drugs to a cooperating source.

CCPD Sommer requested probation for Alford and stated that he successfully completed the Vitality substance abuse program and received six program certifications that indicate he is working toward positive change, and the State should not ignore this. In a statement to the Court, Alford apologized to the community. He said that drugs have been an issue that he has been dealing with for years. With 154 days clean, this is the first program that has been meaningful to him, and he is confident he can continue his sobriety. Alford received probation on suspended sentences of 40-180 months and 19-48 months, with the terms to run consecutively. “This case, easily and probably should have, gone the other way. It is up to you. Hopefully, you can give meaning to your words, and if not, then we will be back," said Judge StockardRick Chapman pled guilty to Possession of a Controlled Substance (a first or second offense), a Category E Felony, that carries 1-4 years in prison. He received probation on a suspended sentence of 12-36 months and must complete the Western Nevada Drug Court program.

Jessie Dalton Fritz appeared in court after several continuances for probation violations. Additionally, Fritz admitted to using methamphetamine within the last week while being tested for drugs before today’s appearance. He is currently on probation for selling methamphetamines to a cooperating source and facing felony charges for Possession of Stolen Property and Possession of Drug Paraphernalia in Washoe County. Judge Stockard remanded Fritz to custody as a sanction for the positive drug test and scheduled sentencing for November 30.

Tayler Alexandria Hall (in custody) appeared for sentencing on the charge of Embezzlement, a Category C Felony. According to Chief Deputy District Attorney Lane Mills, Hall has multiple felony drug-related charges and has been to prison on more than one occasion. Hall also tested positive for methamphetamine by court services while out of custody and was granted multiple opportunities to treat her addiction. According to Churchill County Public Defender (CCPD) Jacob Sommers, his client diverted $5,861.00 in funds from a local business for her personal use. Sommers requested that Hall be granted probation and admittance into the Western Nevada Regional Specialty Court program and agreed to the restitution of $507.64 per month. Hall received probation on a suspended sentence of 24-60 months in prison, restitution, and must enter and complete Specialty Court.

Mathew Joseph Hammar was not present in court for his scheduled arraignment on a Residential Burglary charge. According to ADA Priscilla Baker, Hammar is currently in custody in Washoe County on an alleged probation violation and faces new trespassing, larceny, and possession of controlled substance charges. He is currently on probation for a 2020 conviction out of Douglas County for attempted battery with a deadly weapon, for which he received a suspended sentence of 19-60 months. Due to the violent nature of his criminal history, Judge Stockard issued a $50,000 cash-only bench warrant for Hammar.

Amram Rocko Humphrey (in custody) pled guilty to Changing, Altering, or Obliterating the Serial Number on a Firearm, a Category C Felony, with a potential penalty of 1-5 years in prison. According to ADA Priscilla Baker, Humphrey was highly intoxicated when he took the firearm. CCPD Wright Noel, counsel for Humphrey, stated the serial number on a semi-automatic handgun was legible but returned as stolen. Additionally, Noel said this is Humphrey’s first felony charge and requested that he be returned to his hometown in Arizona, where he can receive treatment with additional family and tribal support. Humphrey received probation a suspended sentence of 24-60 months but shall remain in custody until an Interstate Compact agreement with Arizona is in place.

Patrick David Sannella (in custody) appeared for a status hearing on charges that include:

• Battery that Constitutes Domestic Violence, a Category B Felony, with a potential penalty of 1-6 years in prison.
• Battery that Constitutes Domestic Violence, a third or subsequent offense, a Category B Felony that also carries 1-6 years.
• Intimidating a Public Officer with Threat or Force, a Category B Felony (1-5 years).
• Possession or Control of a Dangerous Weapon or Facsimile by an Incarcerated Person, a Category B Felony, also carrying 1-5 years in prison.

The case was continued until November 9 pending information needed for the case to proceed.

Jerady Joseph Smith was not in court for his scheduled arraignment on an alleged probation violation. A $25,000 cash-only bench warrant was issued.

Kelly Ann Meador (in custody) appeared on a probation violation. She admitted to smoking methamphetamine while on probation and was sentenced to 150 days in jail.

Tyler Rex Fisher (in custody) appeared on a probation violation, to which he admitted. According to ADA Chelsea Sanford, Fisher has had multiple Court Services violations and was charged with other crimes in Washoe County while he was out of custody. He is currently on probation for two charges of Possession of a Controlled Substance. CCPD Jacob Sommer, defense counsel for Fisher, requested additional time in custody as a sanction and that Fisher be given another opportunity on probation. Judge Stockard sentenced Fisher to 30 days in jail and ordered him to complete a long-term substance abuse program.

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