The Tenth Judicial District Court convened Tuesday, January 2, with Judge Thomas Stockard presiding.
Travis Wade Souza, in custody, pleaded guilty to the Category E Felony of Possession of Controlled Substance (methamphetamine) which carries a potential penalty of 1-4 years in a Nevada State Prison and a fine of up to $5,000. Judge Stockard provisionally placed Souza in the Western Regional Drug Court program. He will remain in custody until the Drug Court judge can consider his release. Sentencing was set for February 6.
Shawn Patrick Stallings failed to appear for sentencing on the Category D Felony of Failure to Register as a Convicted Sex Offender. A Bench Warrant was issued.
Jonathan Sotero Kelley, in custody, pleaded guilty to the charge of Attempt to Commit Burglary of a Motor Vehicle which could be sentenced as either a Gross Misdemeanor, which carries a potential penalty of up to 365 days in jail and a fine of up to $2,000; or as a E Felony, which carries a potential penalty of 1-4 years prison and a fine of up to $5,000. Kelly was released on his own recognizance (OR) under strict supervisory conditions and was ordered to have no contact with the two co-defendants also named in the case. Judge Stockard ordered a Pre-Sentence Investigation and set sentencing for March 26.
Robert Willis Ortiz, in custody, admitted to a Non-Technical Sentencing Violation. The violation alleges that Ortiz was ordered to complete the Western Regional Drug Court, and he failed to do so, as well as absconded two different times. Ortiz received probation in March on a suspended sentence of 19-48 months in prison for Possession of a Controlled Substance. Judge Stockard told Ortiz that he considered reinstating probation but said, “I'm not going to do that. I'm going to impose the underlying sentence.” Fees and assessments were imposed, credit was given for 154 days for time served, and Ortiz was remanded to the Churchill County Sheriff for imposition of sentence.
Yanira Lopez-Cortez, in custody, pleaded guilty to two Category C Felonies: 1) Possession of a Stolen Motor Vehicle (a Subaru); and 2) Grand Larceny of a Motor Vehicle a first offense (a Cruz). Each felony carries a potential penalty of 1-5 years in prison, a fine of up to $5,000, and restitution. Judge Stockard ordered a Pre-Sentence Investigation on both cases and provisionally placed Lopez-Cortez into the Western Regional Specialty Court program. Sentencing was set for March 26.
Todd Jay Snider appeared for sentencing on the Felony charge of Offer, Attempt, or Commission of an Unauthorized Acts Relating to the Manufacture or Compounding of Certain Controlled Substances. Deputy District Attorney Aaron Thomas stated that Snider sold methamphetamine in our community to about six people, sold within 1,000 feet of Pioneer Park, and attempted to sell to a confidential source. Thomas argued against permitting Snider diversion through Drug Court, even though he was deemed eligible, and asked Judge Stockard to sentence him to 18-60 months prison.
Wright Noel with the Churchill County Public Defender’s Office argued for diversion, noting Sniders very limited criminal history. Noel said he believed his client was an excellent candidate for diversion and asked the court for probation. Snider addressed the court stating that he was going through a hard time, went into a downward spiral, and was trying to self-medicate to feel better.
Judge Stockard sentenced Snider to two years of probation on suspended prison sentence of 24-60. Snider was ordered to obtain a substance abuse evaluation within 30 days, and to follow therein. Judge Stockard told Snider, “I considered Diversion. I understand the case you've made; but I’m not going to grant you that privilege based on the facts of this case.” Fees and assessments were imposed.
Continuances
Brandon Heleodoro Rodriguez-Sigala continued to January 16
Ashlie Emalyn-Rainbow Shaw's continued to January 9
Kaleel Anthony Rickerson's continued to January 9
Comment
Comments