District Court Report

The Tenth Judicial District Court convened Tuesday, May 9, Judge Thomas Stockard presiding.

Aaron Michael Randall pleaded guilty to the Category B Felony of Attempt to Commit Unlawful Use of a Minor less than 14 years of age in Producing Pornography or as a Subject of Sexual Portrayal in Pornography which carries a potential penalty of 2 to 20 years in Nevada State Prison.  Prison time is mandatory unless the defendant completes a psycho-sexual evaluation and is found to not be at high risk of reoffending. Randall must register as a sex offender. A Pre-Sentence Investigative Report and a Psychosexual Evaluation were ordered. Sentencing was set for August 15.

Tad Fredrick Mergener appeared via Zoom from Michigan without the court’s permission to do so.  Mergener told the court he had a mental breakdown and was out in the desert for seven days. His family and friends took him to Michigan where he is living with his parents. Chief Deputy District Attorney Lane Mills stated Mergener was released on his own recognizance and has not complied with court orders and asked for a Nevada-only Bench Warrant. Stockard so ordered.

Henry Allen Camacho, in custody, was sentenced on the Category B Felony of Robbery. Stockard honored the negotiations in the plea memorandum, and the desire of the victim as he sentenced Camacho to 72 – 180 months in Nevada State Prison, suspended. The defendant was placed on probation for 36 months provided he entered and complete the Western Regional Drug Court program, and mental health court if deemed needed, along with standard conditions of probation. Camacho was released so he could meet with Social Services and get started on setting things up.  He was ordered to be at drug court May 10. Fines and assessments were imposed.

Georgina Lynn Brown, in custody, was granted a one-week continuance at the request of her attorney, Jacob Sommer. 
Shelley Leanne Sonafrank, in custody, admitted to a Court Services violation. Brenda Ingram, Director of Court Services, told the Court that Sonafrank is generally cooperative, nice, and polite, however, she’s having a hard time following the rules. This is her 4th violation in 5 months. Ingram reminded Judge Stockard told Sonafrank at her last violation hearing he would set bail at $50,000 cash if she violated again.  Following statements from attorneys, bail was set at $50,000 cash.

Darian Michael Newman, in custody, was granted a one-week continuance as his attorney William Routsis is ill today. 
Ryan Edward Street, in custody, admitted to a non-technical probation violation involving a controlled substance, and new criminal charges.  Disposition was set for May 16.

Jonathan Anthony Taylor, in custody, admitted to non-technical probation violations related to reporting, intoxicants, employment, and new felony charges in Lyon County. After sharing the defendant’s extensive criminal history from 2015 to present, CDDA Mills asked that probation be revoked to protect society from the defendant’s actions. Public Defender Wright Noel explained that the new felony was reduced to a gross misdemeanor and the defendant received probation on that charge. Noel also told the court that Taylor has a job lined up in Fernley, he has been working to get housing, and “he has a plan.”  Stockard revoked Taylor’s probation and imposed the underlying sentence of 24 to 60 months in Nevada State Prison on the Category B Felony of Failure to Stop on the Signal of a Peace Officer, and 12 to 30 months (to run concurrent) on the Cat D Felony of Failure to Appear. Taylor received credit for 157 days served and was remanded to the custody of the Churchill County Sheriff for imposition of the sentence. 

Chris Lee Rudisill, in custody, pleaded guilty to Gross Misdemeanor of Violation of a Protective Order.  Stockard sentenced Rudisill to 364 days in Churchill County Jail, suspended. Rudisill was placed on probation for 12 months. In addition to standard conditions, he was ordered to complete an Anger Management course within the next six months and to have no contact with the victim. Fines and assessments were imposed.

Pascual Reyes-Muniz, in custody, pleaded guilty to the Category A Felony of Sexual Assault on a Child under the age of 14. This is a charge from 2007 as the defendant was extradited from Mexico earlier this year. Stockard explained this charge “has one penalty, and one penalty only.” As the felony was committed in 2007, the sentencing guidelines from 2007 carry the potential penalty of life with the possibility of parole after 20 years in Nevada State Prison. If found guilty he must also register as a sex offender and have lifetime supervision by Probation and Parole. A Pre-Sentence Investigative Report was ordered, sentencing was set for August 15.

Jose Francisco Barajas-Ramirez, in custody, pleaded guilty to the Category B Felony of Attempt to Commit Sexual Assault which carries mandatory prison time of 2 to 20 years in Nevada State Prison. If found guilty, the defendant will also be required to register as a sex offender and have lifetime supervision by Probation and Parole. A Pre-Sentence Investigative Report was ordered and sentencing was set for August 15.

Boldragon Plexico, in custody, pleaded guilty to Battery with Intent to Commit Burglary, which is a Category D Felony, carries a potential penalty of 3 to 10 years in Nevada State Prison, and a fine of up to $10,000. A Pre-Sentence Investigative Report was ordered, and sentencing was set for August 8. Stockard denied PD Jacob Sommer’s request that Plexico be allowed to enter the Salvation Army Program based on the defendant’s history of violence as requested by CCDA Mills.