District Court News

The Tenth Judicial District Court convened Tuesday, July 26, with Judge Thomas Stockard presiding.

Noah Chase Krogg appeared with his retained attorney, Thomas Viloria, Esq., on charges of Statutory Sexual Seduction, a Gross Misdemeanor punishable by up to 364 days in jail. Valoria said his client engaged in consensual sex with a “woman under the age of 16” while a Lake Lahontan. Krogg underwent an evaluation which determined that he is at low risk of reoffending. Per the terms of his plea agreement, Krogg pled guilty to the charge and will appear for sentencing on October 24.

Taylor Renee Reed was arraigned on charges of Conspiracy to Commit Grand Larceny of a Motor Vehicle and Destroying or Concealing Evidence. Both are Gross Misdemeanors, each punishable by up to 364 days in jail. Paul Yohey, Esq, defense counsel for Reed, stated that between January and February, Reed allegedly conspired with John Lewis to drive away or remove a vehicle (1969 International Scout) belonging to another person. Additionally, at the request of Lewis, she removed a firearm from a vehicle and placed it where it could not be found by law enforcement. Reed was to plead guilty on both counts, however, some questions arose regarding the factual basis of the crime. Judge Stockard continued the matter for one week. (Note: As of the writing of this article and to the knowledge of “The Fallon Post”, Lewis has not been found guilty or convicted of this crime and is presumed innocent).

Luis Osvaldo Pardini-Loyola pled guilty to Driving Under the Influence of Alcohol or Another Controlled or Prohibited Substance, a third or subsequent offense, a Category B Felony punishable by 1-6 years in prison and a fine of $2,000-$5,000. Unless DUI Diversion is granted, the charge carries a mandatory prison sentence. Judge Stockard provisionally placed Pardini-Loyola in the program and set sentencing for October 18.

Rebecca Brandi-Vanmeteer pled guilty to a charge of Possession of a Controlled Substance, a Category E Felony punishable by 1-4 years in prison. According to CCPD Jacob Sommer, on or about June 8, Vanmeteer was in possession of methamphetamine. Judge Stockard provisionally placed her in the Western Nevada Regional Drug Court program.

Lacey Christine Marie Luman appeared for sentencing on a charge of Conspiracy to Commit Grand Larceny of a Firearm and Conspiracy to Commit Burglary with a Firearm or a Deadly Weapon. Both are Gross Misdemeanors, each punishable by up to 364 days in jail. According to ADA Priscilla Baker, Luman and several codefendants conspired to come to Churchill County and steal firearms from Michelle Bates and Anthony Giovi. Luman and her associates stole 16 guns, three of which have not been recovered. While her participation was minimal, she still was involved in the act, said Baker. “It is still serious. There are three unrecovered firearms out in the criminal community and it’s scary.” She asked the court to hold Luman accountable for her role in the crime and pay $2400 in restitution to the victims. Luman’s attorney, Paul Yohey, Esq., cited his client’s drug history and how it played a role in her actions. He asked Stockard to consider Drug Court. Luman told the court she was very high at the time of the incident and that she had been trying very hard since her arrest to turn her life around. Judge Stockard ordered Luman to pay restitution, granted probation on two suspended consecutive sentences of 364 days in jail, and placed her in the Western Regional Drug Court.

Gerald Lee Landis pled guilty to a charge of Offer, Attempt, or Commission of an Unauthorized Act Relating the Manufacturing or Compounding of Certain Controlled Substances, a first offense and a Category C Felony punishable by 1-5 years. According to CCPD Jacob Sommer, defense counsel for Landis, his client sold methamphetamine to a cooperating source. Judge Stockard sentenced Landis to 16-58 months in prison.

Robin Daresa Lucille Brady pled guilty to Possession of a Controlled Substance, a first or second offense, a Category E Felony punishable by 1-4 years in prison. According to her Public Defender, Jacob Sommer, on June 13, Brady knowingly possessed methamphetamine. Brady received probation on a suspended sentence of 14-45 months in prison and must obtain a substance abuse evaluation, following any recommendations made.

Christopher Madison Chandler appeared on a sentencing violation. According to CCPD Jacob Sommer, Chandler is facing additional criminal charges in Justice Court. Sommer asked for a continuance to address more adequately those charges before proceeding with the alleged violation. Judge Stockard agreed to the continuation and set the matter for August 16. Sommer also asked the court to release his client on his own recognizance to return to work while awaiting future hearings. Chief Deputy District Attorney Lane Mills argued against Chandler’s release based on his extensive criminal history, including violent offenses and his recent arrest for possessing two pounds of marijuana. Judge Stockard denied the request, and Chandler is to remain in custody.

Charles Christopher Franklin Wells pled guilty to two domestic violence-related charges: (1) Battery that Constitutes Domestic Violence Committed by Strangulation, a Category C Felony punishable by 1-5 years in prison. And (2) Battery that Constitutes Domestic Violence, a second offense which is a misdemeanor punishable by up to 20 days to six months in jail. According to CCPD, Jacob Sommer, defense counsel for Wells, his client did choke his girlfriend during an altercation. During the same incident, Wells also bit, hit, or struck her in the chest or arm, or pulled her hair. Sentencing was set for October 18.