Notes from Justice Court

The New River Justice Court convened Friday, February 3, Judge Ben Trotter presiding. 
Brittany LeAnn Laub failed to appear for a bench trial. A bench warrant was issued. 
David Steven Haskins, in custody, appeared for a Gross Misdemeanor charge of Unlawful Housebreaking into an Uninhabited or Vacant Dwelling. Haskins was found to be public defender eligible. PD Jacob Sommer was appointed and requested Haskins be released on his own recognizance. ADA Chelsea Sanford opposed OR citing the defendant's lack of housing, his extensive criminal history, and numerous failure-to-appears within recent years. The judge found clear and convincing reasons to require bail based on lack of stable housing, unconfirmed employment, extensive criminal history, and extensive history of not showing up for court. A Status Hearing was set for February 9.
Stephen Michael Dean, in custody, appeared on a Gross Misdemeanor charge of Housebreaking into an Uninhabited or Vacant Dwelling. Dean was found to be public defender eligible. PD Sommer was appointed and asked the Court to consider an OR release as he does not have any failure to appears, has some criminal history, and it appears he is employed. Sanford opposed OR citing the defendant's homelessness and the cold weather. Dean told the judge he has a friend he can stay with. Trotter granted OR, and a Status Hearing was set for February 9. 
Joy VanZant-Thunder, in custody, appeared on the Category C Felony of Offer, Attempt, or Commission of an Unauthorized Act Relating to Manufacture or Compounding of Certain Controlled Substance. VanZant-Thunder was found to be public defender eligible. PD Sommer was appointed and said the defendant has lived in Fallon for more than 10 years and requested the defendant be released on her own recognizance. ADA Sanford asked that VanZant-Thunder remain in custody, citing several failures to check in and show up for Court Services. Brenda Ingram with Court Services told the court the defendant was previously on Court Services supervision in September of 2022 and that she “never appeared, never complied, never tested.” The judge found there are clear and convincing reasons to not release the defendant without bail based on the reports of the ADA and Court Services. A Status Hearing was set for February 9, she remains in custody.
Angela Rose Lacerra, in custody, appeared on a Gross Misdemeanor charge of Housebreaking into an Uninhabited or Vacant Dwelling. Lacerra was found to be Public Defender eligible, and one will be appointed to her. Lacerra will remain in custody until her Status Hearing which was set for February 9. 
Heather Lynn Walter, in custody, pled no contest to a Misdemeanor charge of Illegal Dumping of Garbage. She received a sentence of 10 days suspended for 2 years on the condition she is not brought before the court again for any other illegal dumping or any offense on any public lands. Walter was released from custody. 
Jarrett Tyler Beckner, in custody, pled guilty to a Misdemeanor charge of Resisting, Delaying, or Obstructing a Public Officer. ADA Priscilla Baker cited Beckner's criminal history, then explained that he jumped out of a vehicle when law enforcement was pulling him over, and ran into Walmart, “He placed himself in danger, the officers in danger, and everyone in Walmart.” The judge sentenced Beckner to 30 days in Churchill County Jail.

On Thursday, February 9, Judge Trotter presided over New River Justice Court
David Haskins, in custody, pled guilty to a Misdemeanor charge of Trespassing, which carries a possible penalty 6 months in the Churchill County Jail and a fine of up to $1,000.  Sentencing was set for March 2, to allow time for victim notification. Haskins released on his own recognizance with Court Services supervision of daily check-ins and random testing. 
Rueben Fotsch, in custody, appeared for arraignment on the Misdemeanor charges of Driving Under the Influence of an Intoxicating Liquor, Failure to Maintain Travel Lane, and Minor in Consumption of Alcohol. Judge Trotter entered a not guilty plea. Fotsch was found to be Public Defender eligible, and one will be appointed.  A Status Hearing was set for February 16. Fotsch was released on his own recognizance with Court Services supervision. He was released. 
Joshua McEvers, in custody, appeared for arraignment on a Misdemeanor charge of Petit Larceny.  Public Defender Jacob Sommer asked the Court to entertain OR release as McEvers does own a home in Churchill County and has long time connections to the community. 
ADA Chelsea Sanford opposed OR as the defendant has multiple felony offenses. She said that in this incident, McEvers endangered this community and the law enforcement officers involved. Judge Trotter found clear and convincing reason to require bail, primarily the seemingly violent nature of interactions the defendant has had with law enforcement, and protection of the community. Trotter did reduce bail to $5,000.  Sommer then asked for suspension of proceedings for a competency evaluation to begin. Trotter so ordered.  
Paul Perez, in custody, appeared for a Status Hearing.  ADA Aaron Thomas stated Perez has been read the charges, has been found to be public defender eligible, has refused public defenders saying he wants to hire his own attorney.  He has not done so. Thomas requested a PD be appointed. Trotter agreed and set a Status Hearing for February 23rd.
Joy VanZant-Thunder, in custody, appeared for arraignment on a Misdemeanor charge of Possession of Drug Paraphernalia. As VanZant-Thunder has been found public defender eligible on other charges, Trotter ordered a PD be assigned and set a Status Hearing on February 16.