Stockard Acknowledges Defendant’s Efforts at Recovery

Stephen Jacob Selstad appeared for sentencing before Judge Thomas Stockard in the Tenth Judicial District Court on Tuesday, June 25. Selstad pleaded guilty in March to the Category E Felony of Possession of a Controlled Substance and the Gross Misdemeanor charge of Abuse, Neglect, or Endangerment of a Child Not Causing Substantial Mental or Bodily Harm.

Judge Stockard stated that Selstad is eligible for probation based on the results of the Psychological Risk Assessment mandated by state statute.

Deputy District Attorney Aaron Thomas agreed, noting the PRA shows Selstad is at low risk to re-offend, provided he is actively treating his drug problem. Thomas asked for probation on both counts, with the condition that he continue with his drug treatment, “which will protect him, protect our community, and protect the child involved.”  

Charles Woodman, Esq., defense counsel for Selstad, said his client is almost unrecognizable. He is showing all the signs of someone doing everything he is supposed to be doing. He is in the middle of treatment and has no plans to change that. Woodman asked the court to grant Selstad the privilege of probation.

Selstad told the court that he had completed the New Frontier residential program and was now doing his outpatient recovery program. He is employed, going to meetings, and has built his support system, “I am chasing my recovery harder than I ever chased the drugs.” Selstad said he could say he is sorry, and he is trying to show he is sorry by his actions.

Judge Stockard granted Selstad 18 months of probation on the suspended sentences of 12-36 months in prison on the felony charge and 364 days in Churchill County Jail on the gross misdemeanor. He ordered the two sentences to run concurrently. In addition to standard conditions of probation, Selstad was ordered to maintain full-time employment, maintain his program as outlined by his counselors, and continue with his 12-step program.

Judge Stockard told Selstad, “You understand that your actions speak louder than your words, and very, very few people that are in your situation at this point understand that … keep it up… I’m proud of you.”