District Court News - October 24

The Tenth Judicial District Court convened Tuesday, October 24, with Judge Thomas Stockard presiding. 

William Stephen McHaney pleaded guilty to two charges. 1) A Gross Misdemeanor charge of Abuse, Neglect, or Neglect of a Child Not Causing Substantial Mental or Physical Harm, which carries a potential penalty of 364 days in Churchill County Jail and a fine of up to $2,000. The charge requires a Psychological Risk Assessment, which shows he is not at high risk for reoffending to be eligible for probation; the judge informed McHaney he is responsible for obtaining the assessment. 2) A Misdemeanor charge of Battery that Constitutes Domestic Violence, which carries a possible penalty of 2 days to 6 months in Churchill County Jail, 48-120 hours of Community Service, a $200-$1,000 fine, and six months of Domestic Violence Counseling. Sentencing was set for January 16, 2024.

Jessop Reece Morrison, in custody, pleaded guilty to the Category B Felony of Driving Under the Influence of an Intoxicating Liquor or a Controlled or Prohibited Substance, a Third or Subsequent Offense, which has a mandatory prison sentence of 1-6 years unless the defendant applies for, enters, and completes the DUI Diversion Program. Defense Attorney Evenson said the plea agreement allows Morrison to enter the Salvation Army Program or the Reno Gospel Mission. Sentencing was set for January 16, 2024. He will remain in custody unless he is accepted. 

Karen Edris Fenton appeared for sentencing. Public Defender Jacob Sommer explained there had been a “very meaningful discussion" yesterday and today between counsels and asked for a continuance. The judge said he anticipated an Amended Information Report and an amended Pre-Sentence Investigative Report to be filed. The case was continued until November 7.

Michael John Awbrey, in custody, pleaded guilty to two Category B Felony charges. 1) Failure to Stop on the Signal of a Peace Officer Causing Death or Bodily Harm, and 2) Driving Under the Influence of an Intoxicating Liquor or a Controlled or Prohibited Substance Causing Death or Bodily Harm. Each charge carries a potential penalty of 2-20 years in Nevada State Prison and a fine of $2,000-$5,000. The first charge is probate eligible, while the DUI charge is a mandatory prison sentence. The basis given for the charges was that Awbrey failed to stop for an officer using lights and siren, he was under the influence over the legal limit, and three individuals were injured. The judge ordered a Pre-Sentence Investigative Report, and sentencing was set for January 16, 2024. 

Jason James Teeter, in custody, appeared on a Sentencing Violation. PD Sommers told the court Teeter has new charges pending in Nye County. Several issues have been raised by Teeter, which Sommer would like to look into. The case was continued until October 31. 

Courtney Lynn Martin, in custody, pleaded guilty to the category B Felony of Battery with a Deadly Weapon Causing Substantial Bodily Harm to a Victim that Constitutes Domestic Violence. This charge carries a potential penalty of 2-15 years in Nevada State Prison and a fine of up to $15,000. The facts given for the charge were that Martin stabbed her husband with a knife four times, causing prolonged physical pain. Judge Stockard ordered a Pre-Sentence Investigative Report and set sentencing for January 16, 2024. 

Sandra Nicole Stahl, in custody, pleaded guilty to 2 Gross Misdemeanors. 1) Conspiracy to Possess or Control a Deadly Weapon or Facsimile by an Incarcerated Person; and 2) Assault on an Officer. Each charge carries a potential penalty of 364 days in Churchill County Jail and a fine of up to $2,000. Sentencing was set for October 31 to allow for victim notification. 

Vanessa Kaylynn Rodrigues, in custody, appeared on a Sentencing Violation. At the request of PD Noel, the case was continued to January 2, 2024. 

Rene Lucio Williams, in custody, admitted to a Non-Technical Violation of Absconding. Following arguments by the State and the Defense, Williams was reinstated on probation with the additional conditions that he enter and complete the Western Regional Drug Court Program and that he maintain full-time employment. The judge cautioned Williams, “This is likely your last opportunity at community supervision.”