Second Chance for Browning in Grand Larceny Case

Donald Patrick Browning, in custody, appeared in the Tenth Judicial District Court on Tuesday, February 4, with Judge Thomas Stockard presiding. 

Browning was present for sentencing on the Category C Felony charge of Grand Larceny of a Motor Vehicle. "It took us a long time to get here," Deputy District Attorney Priscilla Baker told the court, "This is a 2019 case … he was facing a habitual [sentencing enhancement for being a "habitual criminal"] … the state, along with Washoe County, sought a global resolution … we took habitual off, and we reduced charges to where he was only facing one count of Grand Larceny of vehicle… and what did this defendant do? He absconded; he failed to appear for sentencing. Five years have passed."  

The state acknowledged Browning had paid $1,850 in restitution to the victim in this case. However, Baker reported he was a career criminal in 2019; he kept stealing cars; when Browning gets caught in the car, "he bolts from the officer until the car crashes. And that's where he gets caught." Baker noted Browning's history, which includes six felonies, eleven misdemeanors, and one probation revocation, and "he needs to be held accountable for his actions." 

CCPD Jacob Sommer conceded, stating, "The state is correct; Mr. Browning made a complete mess of his situation by absconding, by leaving, and not taking responsibility." He said his client should suffer some consequences for his actions. "In the interim period of time, Mr. Browning engaged in what I can only consider to be an unbelievable change in his attitude, in his conduct, and his behavior," said Sommer who reported several people approached him saying Browning is an amazing person and asking where they can send this information. 

Sommer told the court that at some point, Browning realized he could no longer do this; he had to make sure he made this right. He contacted an attorney in Washoe County and turned himself in. According to Sommer, his client's changes and his lifestyle are so substantial that he believes Browning deserves a chance at probation. Further, Sommer stated Browning's mother is in the hospital in a medically induced coma, and he would like to visit her. "I would ask the court to grant Mr. Browning the extreme privilege of probation to continue to do what it is that he has already shown that he can do…. He will continue to show that he is not going to throw this away." 

Browning apologized to the court and the people of Fallon. He said when he crumbled, he went back to drugs and made a mess of everything. "I'm sorry to the people I hurt, and I just hope that the Court can see that I'm not that same person I was." Browning concluded his statement, "Please let me go back to mine [life]; you won't regret it."  

Judge Stockard granted Browning probation on a 24–60 month suspended sentence to run consecutive to the Washoe County cases.