District Court

The Tenth Judicial District Court convened Tuesday, June 8, Judge Thomas Stockard presiding.

Rene Lucio Williams was not present for arraignment. Public Defender Wright Noel told the court his client is in Reno due to a family member’s medical event. Director of Court Services Brenda Ingram reported that after his release from jail on May 11, they have had no contact with Williams and have been unable to reach him. Deputy District Attorney Aaron Thomas requested a Bench Warrant. Judge Stockard ordered a $10,000 cash-only Bench Warrant.

Gary Johnson Stutsman pleaded guilty to a Category B Felony of Possession of a Controlled Substance, a high amount (approximately 60 grams of methamphetamine), which carries a potential penalty of 2-16 years in Nevada State Prison and a fine of up to $50,000; and a Felony charge of Possession of Visual Pornography of a person under 16 years of age, which carries a potential penalty of 1-6 years in Nevada State Prison and a fine of up to $5,000. The pornography charge also requires registration as a sex offender and while it does not require lifetime supervision the defendant would only be eligible for probation if he obtains a psychosexual risk assessment, and it does not show a high risk of reoffending. The judge ordered a Pre-Sentence Investigative Report and set sentencing for August 29.

Jordan Annmarie Clairmont was not present for a sentencing violation. PD Noel explained Clairmont is in federal custody in Reno. The case was continued until June 20.

Nicholas Pierre Ashley, in custody, admitted to a non-technical probation violation regarding intoxicants. Deputy District Attorney Priscilla Baker told the court that Ashley again was intoxicated and refused to follow the instruction of an officer, again putting an officer in danger. She asked that probation be revoked, and the underlying sentence be imposed. Public Defender Jacob Sommer said the defendant recognizes his behavior is not acceptable, and he is trying to get back on track. Sommer asked for reinstatement on probation with the condition a substance abuse evaluation be obtained, or a sentence of 30 days in the Churchill County Jail. The judge revoked Ashley’s probation and imposed the underlying sentence of 12 to 36 months in Nevada State Prison.

Michael Eugene Haynes appeared for sentencing. DDA Thomas stated there is an active bench warrant for Haynes and requested Haynes be tested. The judge asked Haynes what a test would show. The defendant stated he would test dirty for meth. The judge remanded Haynes to the custody of the Churchill County Sheriff, charging him with Direct Contempt for appearing under the influence. Haynes will remain in custody until his appearance next week on June 13.

Letisha Sage Johnson pleaded guilty to a Category D Felony of Grand Larceny of Personal Goods or Property valued between $1,200 and $5,000, which carries a potential penalty of 1-4 years in Nevada State Prison and a fine of up to $5,000. A Pre-Sentence Investigative Report was ordered and sentencing was set for August 29.

Corey Lamar Etchinek appeared via Zoom for arraignment. His attorney, Steve Evenson, Esq., also appeared via Zoom. Evenson, Senior DDA Sanford, and the judge discussed when information was sent/received to/from counsels. Concluding with the judge ordering both Evenson and Sanford to submit a history of when information was sent/received and why to be filed no later than 4:30 today. The case was continued to June 13, at which time both Etchinek and Evenson are to appear in person.

Cody Brandt Franklin, in custody, appeared for arraignment. PD Noel told the court the defendant, as of yesterday, has retained Steven Evenson as his attorney although the two men have not had contact. Franklin informed the court that his brother had paid $1,500 to Evenson. The case was trailed to the end of the calendar, at which time Evenson appeared via Zoom. Evenson told the court he doesn’t think he has received funds yet, but they had agreed to meet, which has not yet happened. The judge continued the case to June 13.