The Tenth Judicial District Court convened Tuesday, December 20, with Judge Thomas Stockard presiding.
Lavonna Rae Smith-Poole pled guilty to a Category E Felony of Possession of a Controlled Substance which carries a possible penalty of 1-4 years in Nevada State Prison and a fine of up to $5,000. She received 12-32 months in Nevada State Prison, suspended, and was placed on probation for 18 months with conditions attached. Fines and fees were imposed.
Elijah Blue Aughe pled guilty to a Gross Misdemeanor charge of Conspiracy to Commit Grand Larceny which carries a potential penalty of 364 days in the Churchill County Jail and a fine of up to $2,000. He was sentenced to 220 days in the Churchill County Jail, suspended, and was placed on probation for 6 months to run consecutively to previous sentences. Fines and fees were imposed.
Jason Scott Bigelow appeared for sentencing on a Category D Felony of Possession of a Schedule 1 or 2 Controlled Substance for the Purpose of Sales which is punishable by 1-4 years in Nevada State Prison and a fine of up to $5,000. Bigelow received a suspended sentence of 12-36 months in Nevada State Prison. He was placed on probation for 24 months. Fines and fees were imposed.
Devin Michael Mathews appeared for sentencing on a Category D Felony of Battery by a Prisoner While in Lawful Custody, and Gross Misdemeanor of Assault on an Officer. Mathews received fines and fees and was ordered to pay restitution. On the Felony, he was sentenced to 19-48 months in Nevada State Prison, suspended, and was placed on probation for 36 months. He received 220 days in the Churchill County Jail, suspended, and was placed on probation for 12 months on the Gross Misdemeanor charge. There were several conditions attached to Mathews’ probation.
Susan Marie Ensminger failed to appear for a Sentencing Violation. Public Defender Jacob Sommer told the court that he has been unsuccessful in contacting Ensminger since his appointment as her counsel. The judge granted a 2-week continuance until January 3, 2023, for Sommer to contact her.
Benjamin Franklin Pascoe, in custody, appeared on a Non-technical Sentencing Violation of Battery. The judge revoked his probation and modified the underlying sentence to 19-60 months in Nevada State Prison.
Gerred Lee Wachsmuch, in custody, pled not guilty to a Category D Felony of Battery that Constitutes Domestic Violence, which carries a potential penalty of 2-15 years in Nevada State Prison and a fine of up to $5,000, and to a Category C Felony of Bribing or Intimidating a Witness to Influence Testimony which is punishable by 1-5 years in Nevada State Prison and a fine of up to $10,000. A Status Hearing was set for January 3, 2023, as ADA Priscilla Baker and Public Defender Wright Noel agreed they are working on negotiations.
Don Allen Lewis, in custody, pled guilty to Possession of a Controlled Substance, a Category E Felony which is punishable by 1-4 years in Nevada State Prison and a fine of up to $5,000. Lewis received a sentence of 14-40 months in Nevada State Prison to be served consecutively to other sentences he has. Fines and fees were imposed. Lewis was remanded to the custody of the sheriff for imposition of the sentence.
Derrick Carlyle Alexander, in custody, admitted to a Non-technical Sentencing Violation of Absconding. His probation was revoked, and he was sentenced to 14-48 months in Nevada State Prison and remanded to the custody of the sheriff for imposition of the sentence.
Anthony Ray Cordova pled guilty to a Gross Misdemeanor charge of Violation of a Temporary Court Order Restricting, Stalking, and Harassment which is punishable by 364 days in Churchill County Jail and a fine of up to $2,000. ADA Baker told the court of the threats the defendant made, the violence these threats contained, and the fear the victim has of Cordova. There was a victim impact statement made by the defendant’s brother-in-law who told the court, “It has changed our way of life” as he explained the threats made to his family members by the defendant and the fear they now have. “As a father, as a husband, I’m infuriated.” He questioned when those threats will turn into actions. “Me personally, I want the max. I think he needs to be punished.” Fines and fees were imposed. Cordova received a sentence of 364 days in Churchill County Jail, suspended, and he was placed on probation for 12 months. The judge ordered Cordova to serve the next 30 days in Churchill County Jail. Also ordered the defendant to complete a Mental Health Evaluation and a Substance Abuse Evaluation and that he follows the recommendations of the evaluations. Cordova was ordered to complete 6 months of Anger Management Counseling, and he was provisionally placed in Mental Health Court. He was ordered to have no contact with the victims. The judge told Cordova, “You are going to go to jail today. And you’re going to miss Christmas. And New Year’s. The court is not going to tolerate this kind of behavior.” Cordova was remanded to the custody of the sheriff to begin his 30 days.
Cynthia Michelle Manning, in custody, appeared for sentencing on 2 Category C Felony charges of Offer, Attempt, or Commission of an Unauthorized Act Relating to the Manufacture or Compounding of Certain Controlled Substances. ADA Mills told the court Manning’s extensive criminal history. He stated, “She’s a drug dealer. We need these people off the streets. She’s poisoning our community.” He asked for 2 consecutive sentences. Public Defender Noel asked for a suspended sentence on both counts and that his client be placed on probation with the condition she enters Vitality House in Elko. Fines and fees were imposed. On the first count, Manning received a sentence of 12-36 months in Nevada State Prison, on Count 2, 19-48 months in Nevada State Prison. The sentences will run consecutively. The defendant was remanded to the custody of the sheriff for execution of the sentence imposed.
Keith William Green pled guilty to a Category D Felony of Driving Under the Influence of an Intoxicating Liquor or Controlled or Prohibited Substance, 3rd or subsequent offense, which carries a potential penalty of 1-6 years in Nevada State Prison and a fine of $2,000 to $5,000. This charge carries a mandatory prison sentence unless the defendant applies for and is granted the privilege of the DUI Diversion Program. Public Defender Jacob Sommer told the court they will be filing an application to the program within the week. ADA Lane Mills told the court he has known Green for 15 years and “have never seen him looking better.” The state had no objection to the Diversion program. A Pre-sentence Investigative Report was ordered. A SCRAM alcohol monitor was ordered installed by Friday. The judge provisionally admitted Green to DUI Diversion Program. A Sentencing Hearing was set for March 14, 2023.
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