District Court News

By Teresa Moon

The Tenth Judicial District Court convened Tuesday, October 3, Judge Thomas Stockard presiding. 

Nicholas Andrew Messick pleaded guilty to Possession of a Controlled Substance First or Second Offense, a Category E Felony. Deputy District Attorney Aaron Thomas told the court the defendant had .29 grams of methamphetamine, which mandates probation. Messick received a suspended of 12-36 months in a Nevada State Prison and must complete the Western Regional Drug Court, obtain a substance abuse evaluation, and follow the recommendations therein, along with standard conditions of probation. Fees and assessments were imposed. 

Henry Lee Andrews pleaded guilty to a Category D Felony Failing to Change Address as a Convicted Sex Offender. Andrews received two years probation on a suspended 19-48 month sentence. Along with standard probationary conditions, he was ordered to maintain his registration as a sex offender. 

Brian Keith Alford, in custody, appeared for sentencing violations. Churchill County Public Defender Jacob Sommer told the court that Alford has an additional case in the Justice Court and asked for a three-week continuance as they are working on a global resolution with the state. Stockard continued the matter to October 24. 

Samantha Erika Dockery pleaded guilty to Embezzlement of a value of $25,000 or more but less than $100,000, a Category B Felony with a potential penalty of 1-10 years in prison and a fine of up to $10,000. Dockery allegedly embezzled $51,365.00 from an account meant to benefit her son. Churchill County public defense attorney told the court they are asking that Dockery be allowed diversion through the Western Regional Drug Court program if the money is repaid in full prior to sentencing. Judge Stockard said Dockery would have to get a Substance Abuse Evaluation to be eligible for drug court; he ordered a Pre-Sentence Investigative Report and set sentencing for January 2, 2024. At the request of Noel, the defendant was provisionally placed into the drug court program. 

Andrea Lynn Lumpkin appeared for sentencing on a Gross Misdemeanor charge of Abuse, Neglect, or Endangerment of a Child Not Causing Substantial Bodily or Mental Harm, which she pled guilty to in July. A risk assessment concluded that Lumpkin is not at high risk of reoffending, making her eligible for probation. Deputy District Attorney Prescilla Baker told the court that law enforcement was called to the home for a family altercation. While speaking with the adults, the officer observed an open container of marijuana, which a child was reaching into. Charles Woodman Esq., defense counsel for Lumpkin, told the court his client has been a model citizen since then. He said she has been doing counseling and treatment at New Frontier, has a new job, and has complied with Court Services. Fees and assessments were imposed, and Lumpkin received a suspended sentence of 270 days in Churchill County Jail, with 12 months probation. Along with standard conditions of probation, Lumpkin was ordered to obtain a substance abuse evaluation and follow any recommendations therein.

Chad Anthony Travis Fayerweather appeared for sentencing on a Gross Misdemeanor charge of Abuse, Neglect, or Endangerment of a Child Not Causing Substantial Bodily or Mental Harm, which he pled guilty to in July. The judge stated he received a Risk Assessment on the defendant, which concluded he is at low risk to reoffend, also making him eligible for probation. DDA Baker told the court “that it was this defendant’s marijuana that was found open,” allowing the child access. Baker said Fayerweather has been doing well since and asked for a suspended sentence of 364 days “to encourage this defendant to keep on that path.” Public Defender Wright Noel agreed with Baker, stating his Fayerweather has been doing very well.” Noel further stated that supervision from probation would help his client continue with the changes he has made. The judge imposed fees and assessments. He received a suspended sentence of 270 days in Churchill County Jail, with 12 months probation. Along with the standard conditions of probation, Lumpkin was ordered to obtain a substance abuse evaluation and follow any recommendations therein.

Joseph Ansel Howard, in custody, admitted to the Non-technical Sentencing Violation of Absconding from probation and a supplemental Violation of being arrested in Washoe County for possession of medication he did not have a prescription for. The judge revoked Howard’s probation and modified his sentence so that the second count would run concurrently with count one. He received credit for 64 days of time served.