Teresa Moon
Nicole Eileen Skillings, in custody, pleaded guilty pursuant to Alford to Category C of Possession of a Stolen Motor Vehicle, which is punishable by 1-5 years in a Nevada State Prison and a fine up to $10,000. An Alford plea allows a defendant to maintain innocence despite entering a guilty plea. Churchill County Public Defender (CCPD) Jacob Sommer asked that the court release Skillings to New Frontier Treatment Center for inpatient care and that she be provisionally placed in the Western Nevada Specialty Court Program. Judge Stockard consented and ordered Skillings to remain in custody until a bed is available and for her to return to custody upon completing treatment. Stockard also ordered a Pre-Sentencing Investigation report and set sentencing for October 15.
Candice Lee Scollard, in custody, pleaded guilty to the Category E Felony Possession of a Controlled Substance (methamphetamine), a First or Second Offense punishable by 1-4 years in prison and a fine up to 5,000. Scollard thanked the court for its time, apologized for what she did, and requested to return to where she is from in California.
Judge Stockard granted her probation on a suspended sentence of 12-32 months in prison. He further ordered Scollard to obtain a substance abuse evaluation, follow the recommendation, and remain in Nevada until the Division of Parole & Probation grants permission for her to return to California.
Cory Lee Miller appeared for sentencing on Driving Under the Influence of an Intoxicating Liquor or a Controlled Substance, a Second Offense, after graduating from the three-year DUI Diversion Program. “I completed everything to the best of my ability,” said Miller, who told Judge Stockard he really liked the program, met a lot of good people, and has started his own business. Stockard imposed a mandatory fine of $750.
Ein Joseph Newton, in custody, pleaded guilty to the Category C Felony of Burglary of a Business (Wal-Mart), punishable by 1-5 years in prison and a fine up to 10,000. Judge Stockard ordered a Pre-Sentencing Investigation report and set sentencing for October 15.
Sonnie Anzaldua, pictured right, appeared for arraignment on new charges and pleaded not guilty to two Category D Felonies: Count I) Residential Burglary, punishable by 1-10 years in prison, and Count II) Home Invasion, punishable by 1-10 years and a fine up to $10,000. Anzaldua waived his right to a speedy trial, which was set for March 10-13, 2025. Anzaldua asked to go to Kentucky or Las Vegas, stating he believed Fallon was not safe for him. Judge Stockard granted Anzaldua’s request. However, he ordered daily check-ins with Court Services and weekly check-ins with his attorney and imposed the standard conditions of pretrial release. Anzaldua must return to court for another trial in December on unrelated charges. Sonnie Anzaldua, pictured right. Photo courtes of CCSO.
Dominick Scott Burtt appeared for sentencing on two charges to which he pled guilty in June: 1) Attempt to Possess a Stolen Motor Vehicle – a wobbler charge which can be sentenced as a category B Felony or a gross misdemeanor; and 2) Category D Felony of Failure to Register as a Sex Offender.
Chief Deputy District Attorney Lane Mills argued for prison, stating, “Mr. Burtt has been in front of a variety of courts since 1999.” Mills told Judge Stockard that some of Burtt’s previous charges were serious, and he continues to break the law. Mills also said Burtt had been paroled, violated his parole, received a dishonorable discharge, and now he finds himself back in court. Mills expressed concerns based on Burtt’s criminal history, which he believed indicates he is not a good fit for probation.
CCPD Jacob Sommer disagreed, stating, “There are times in representing individuals that we get to see people change in meaningful ways.” Sommer said Burtt recommitted himself to a change that is meaningful to himself and his family, has been perfect on Court Services, is employed full-time, and has demonstrated by his actions that he is willing and able to stay away from all the substances that have created significant problems in his past. Sommer said he believes that sending his client to prison would derail him from the changes he has made. He asked for whatever sentence the court feels is appropriate but requested Judge Stockard grant Burtt the privilege of probation.
Burtt told the court he wanted to start his own business. “I know my past is messed up… been clean and sober since April … was homeless, was sleeping in the truck, but stayed clean.”
Judge Stockard noted that Burtt’s time under the supervision of Court Services went really well. He granted probation in both cases, suspended both 19–48-month terms, and sentenced the possession of a stolen vehicle as a felony.
He ordered Burtt to obtain a substance abuse evaluation, follow the recommendations, and maintain his status as a registered sex offender. Stockard said to Burtt, “I’ll be candid with you. I think Mr. Sommer oversold… I hope he didn’t… Good luck.”
Continuances and Warrants:
Jordan Adam Cunningham - Review Hearing continued to September 3.
Autumn Nicole Castleberry – Failed to appear for sentencing on the Category E Felony of Possession of a Controlled Substance (methamphetamine), to which she pled guilty in July. Castleberry has not checked in with Court Services since and has missed ten drug tests. A $50,000 cash-only bench warrant was issued.
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