Teresa Moon
Michael Anthony Nikonowicz appeared for sentencing on three counts: Count I, a Category E Felony of Burglary of a Vehicle, and Counts II and III, both Misdemeanors of Petit Larceny. Judge Thomas Stockard noted that restitution had been paid, and that the defendant previously received a suspended sentence of 19 to 48 months in another case.
Senior Deputy District Attorney Chelsea Sanford confirmed restitution was complete and requested probation consecutive to Nikonowicz previous sentence. She said, "It appears for all intents and purposes when this defendant is under supervision he more or less stays off drugs and commits no new crimes."
Churchill County Public Defender (CCPD) Jacob Sommer said the current offense occurred within a day of the previous one, and his client graduated from Western Regional Drug Court last April. Nikonowicz apologized to the victim and said he was ready to change.
Judge Stockard sentenced Nikonowicz to 19-48 months on Count I and 10 days on Counts II and II, all suspended, to run concurrently with his previous sentence.
Sabrina Marie Ortiz appeared for sentencing on the Category B Felony of Possession of a Firearm by a Person Convicted of Domestic Battery, which she pleaded guilty to in January.
Churchill County Alternate Public Defender (APD) Wright Noel told the court, "It has been very good for Ms. Ortiz to be on Court Services." He explained Ortiz had been in a dysfunctional relationship, was using alcohol, took a firearm, and left with it.
Ortiz apologized for her actions, saying she realizes she has a problem and believes Drug Court will help. She received probation on a suspended sentence of 24-60 months, was placed in Drug Court, and was ordered to obtain a substance abuse evaluation and follow all recommendations. Judge Stockard told Ortiz, "It's a pretty lengthy criminal history. Very easily you could have gone to prison on this case."
Amy Nicole Greene appeared for sentencing on the Category D Felony of Battery by a Probationer, Parolee, or a Prisoner, which she pleaded guilty to in January.
CCPD Sommer said his client has been provisionally attending Western Nevada Regional Specialty Court and "is doing phenomenally well." Greene told the court she wasn't in the right state of mind; she is getting on her feet again, and everything is coming together well.
Judge Stockard sentenced Greene to 12 to 36 months, suspended, and placed her on probation for 12 months. He officially placed Green in Specialty Court and told her, "You've made some really good progress," and wished her luck as she seeks employment and moves through the program.
Tad Fredrick Mergener appeared for sentencing on the Category C Felony of Grand Larceny of a Motor Vehicle, which he pleaded guilty to in January. CDDA Lane Mills said Mergener had paid $2,000 in restitution, and the state amended the charge to a Gross Misdemeanor under the plea agreement terms.
Gurvinder Singh Dosanjh, in custody, appeared on a Non-Technical Sentencing Violation for failing to comply with sex offender registration requirements. Judge Stockard granted Dosanjh release on his own recognizance (OR) with the condition that he work with the Division of Parole and Probation on anything he does outside of Churchill County.
John Reed Crysler, in custody, pleaded guilty to the Category B Felony of Driving Under the Influence of an Intoxicating Liquor or a Controlled or Prohibited Substance. The charge carries a mandatory prison term and is punishable by 2-15 years in prison and a $2,000 - $5,000 fine. Judge Stockard ordered a pre-sentencing investigation (PSI) and set sentencing for May 27.
Jeffrey Allen Chandler, in custody, pleaded guilty to the Category C Felony of Possession of a Stolen Motor Vehicle, punishable by 1-5 years and a fine of up to $10,000.
CCPD Sommer requested Chandler's release on his own recognizance, saying his client "realizes he has been very lackluster in his commitment thus far; but since he has been in custody, he has put in place some safety measures." Sommer added that Chandler has stable housing in Reno, is progressing positively, and "wants to try to correct [his mistakes] with the conduct that he can show this Court and not just his words."
Court Services Director Brenda Ingram reported Chandler had missed 10 drug tests, tested positive on seven, and was initially rated a moderate risk to violate the terms of his release. SDDA Sanford opposed the release, stating, "Every single opportunity, unfortunately, he fails." She noted Chandler has 16 prior convictions and said, "At this point he is a risk to this community because his drug use is so out of control." Judge Stockard denied the request for OR release.
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