District Court May 21

Amber Dawn Dittmer, in custody, pleaded guilty to the Category D Felony of Embezzlement of a value of $1,200 or more but less than $5,000, which is punishable by 1-4 years in a Nevada State Prison, and a fine up to $5,000. The allegations state that Dittmer, while manager at Burger King, embezzled $3,449.09.  

Alternate Churchill County Public Defender (APD) Wright Noel asked, per the plea agreement, that Dittmer spend 45 days in jail and pay restitution of $3,449.09 at $431.14 per month for eight months. Chief Deputy District Attorney (CDDA) Lane Mills explained, “It is frankly that this defendant needs to dry out before she is released from custody, and that is the least restrictive thing that we can do under the law.”  

Judge Stockard ordered Dittmer to remain in custody until July 5 and then be released under the supervision of Court Services. If there are any violations of the terms of her release, the court will set bail at $25,000, bondable. Stockard ordered a Pre-Sentence Investigation (PSI) and set sentencing for February 19, 2025. 

Sherrie Lou Miller pleaded guilty to the Category E Felony of Possession of a Controlled Substance, a First or Second Offense, punishable by 1-4 years in prison and a fine of up to $5,000. APD Noel asked the court to consider diversion through the Western Regional Drug Court program. CDDA Mills said the state did not object. Judge Stockard provisionally placed Miller in Drug Court, modifying the conditions of her release to include Court Services supervision with daily check-ins and random drug testing. Sentencing was set for July 9. 

Autumn Nicole Castleberry, represented by appointed defense attorney Charles Woodman, Esq., appeared for a Motion to Suppress Hearing related to a question regarding the scope of the search warrant granting the search of Castleberry’s person and personal property by the Nevada State Police. Castleberry is facing charges of Possession of a Controlled Substance, a first or second offense, punishable by 1-4 years in prison and a fine of up to $5,000. 

CDDA Mills called an NSP detective to testify. Following questions and arguments by Mills and Woodman, Stockard found the search warrant authorized, which included the property and buildings where Castleberry was when the warrant was executed. Stockard stated that the search fit squarely within what was covered by NRS. Per Woodman’s request, a status hearing was set for July 9. 

Judge Stockard addressed Castleberry’s multiple Court Services violations dating back to last fall, as she has failed to check in and submit to drug tests as ordered. “Here’s the issue,” said Stockard, “you’ve shown you are going to scam the system … You are going to be held to the same standard that every other defendant has … You’re going to have a better outcome in front of this court if you start being truthful; not only to the court but to Court Services.” 

Stockard then informed Castleberry she would be tested that day to get a baseline and asked her what the test would show. She said she would be dirty for methamphetamine and marijuana. Stockard then told her she would be going into custody and stay until she tested clean. She was remanded to the custody of the Churchill County Sheriff. 

Continuances: 

Odome James Jackson's status hearing was continued to May 28. 

Jayden Allen Joseph Ketelaar’s arraignment was continued to June 4. 

Michael Jacob Casey's sentencing was continued to May 28.