“Drugs are a plague on our community. They are a social drain and an economic drain,” said Chelsea Sandford, Churchill County Assistant District Attorney, during statements made last week during sentencing for Della Bruce, who pled guilty to multiple drug-related offenses earlier this year.
Bruce was arrested last April by the Nevada Highway Patrol and charged with: (1) Trafficking a Schedule I or II Controlled Substance (between 100 and 400 grams), a Category B Felony that carries a penalty of 2-10 years in prison and a maximum fine of $100,000. (2) Possession with the Intent to Sell a Schedule 1 or 2 Controlled Substance (over 42 grams), a First or Second Offense, a Category C Felony punishable by 1-5 years in prison. (3) Four counts of Use or Possession of Drug Paraphernalia, a misdemeanor punishable by up to 364 days in jail.
During statements made in court, Sanford argued for severe penalties to be imposed on Della Bruce before Tenth Judicial District Court Judge Thomas Stockard on November 10. According to Sanford, Bruce was transporting drugs from Reno to Fallon (over 100 grams of methamphetamine) and was selling it in the community. “She is profiting off of misery,” said Sanford, “She is a danger and a menace.”
Arguing for a severe sentence, Sanford cited Bruce’s lengthy criminal history, which includes convictions for forgery, theft, and several drug-related offenses, including delivery, possession, and the manufacturing of controlled substances. While she seemed to have a long break in criminal activity, “Her past doesn’t appear to be her past,” continued Sanford, stating that the community is safe only as long as she is in custody. “Transporting over 100 grams and selling 17 grams are not user level offenses. There should be no tolerance for selling and trafficking drugs in our community.”
Steve Evenson, Esq., defense counsel for Bruce, argued for the minimum sentence, as by statute the tracking charge does not allow judges to grant probation, prison is therefore mandatory. According to Evenson, the break in Bruce’s criminal history spans 15 years and began after she met and married her husband nearly 20 years ago. After he died in 2018, Bruce attempted to deal with her loss by returning to using meth. “She got deeper in her addiction, and began seeking a way to pay for it,” said Evenson. “She self-medicates. She knew it was wrong and that it was illegal.” He asked the Court to consider 24-60 months in prison on count one, probation on count two, with the terms to run concurrently, and Drug Court upon release to aid her in maintaining her sobriety. Evenson also said that Bruce intends to take advantage of any programs offered to her in prison to help her permanently deal with her addiction issues.
Bruce addressed the Court and said, “I’m sorry. I apologize to everyone and for allowing myself to get to this point.”
Judge Stockard sentenced Bruce to 38-96 months in prison on the first count (trafficking), 18-54 months on the second count (selling), with the terms to run concurrently. No fine was imposed. “I hope you are able to follow through,” said Stockard, “This could have a much longer sentence. I hope you mean it.”
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