Justice Court - March 27

New River Township Justice Court convened Thursday, March 27, with Judge Benjamin Trotter presiding.

Meggan Lynn Rodriguez appeared for sentencing on a charge of Domestic Battery, First Offense. She was ordered to complete six months of weekly professional counseling—approximately 26 sessions—with an approved provider. The court also assigned her 48 hours of community service with Fallon’s Parks and Recreation Department. Rodriguez was fined $200, plus $140 in assessments, for a total of $340, which was added to her existing payment schedule. She was given 12 months to complete counseling and provide verification.

Brandon Jean Herrera appeared on charges of Sexual Assault and Attempt Sexual Assault. Sexual assault is a Category A felony, punishable by 10 years to life in prison, or 25 years to life if the victim is under 16. Attempted sexual assault is a Category B felony, carrying a penalty of 1 to 10 years in prison.

During the hearing, the court addressed the transfer of digital evidence and a contested request for an own recognizance (OR) release. Despite the state's opposition—citing Herrera’s out-of-state residency, prior arrests for spousal corporal injury, disorderly conduct, DUI, and battery—Judge Trotter granted an OR release, allowing him to return to California. Full coverage of this case appeared in the March 21 edition of The Fallon Post and is available online.

Cameron Tom-Ray Allen appeared in connection with multiple 2024 felony charges, including four counts of Sell Schedule I or II Controlled Substance, a First Offense, Near a Recreation Facility; two counts of Conspiracy to Violate the Uniform Controlled Substances Act, First Offense; Possession of a Schedule I or II Controlled Substance in the amount of 14 grams or more but less than 28 grams; Attempted Possession of a Schedule I or II Controlled Substance in the same weight range; and Possession of a Schedule I or II Controlled Substance in the amount of 42 grams or more. The court continued the matter to April 10. Court Services raised concerns about Allen’s flight risk, ongoing methamphetamine use, and lack of community ties. The court noted that any future OR release would require Allen to appear in person and submit to testing prior to any hearings.

Samuel Alexander Crowley appeared for sentencing on four counts of Embezzlement, Value Less Than $1,200, stemming from offenses committed while working for the Churchill County Mosquito Abatement District. The court acknowledged restitution of $33.08, which had already been paid through county payroll deductions.

The state noted Crowley had previously been placed on probation for similar conduct and argued for a stronger sentence due to his continued pattern of theft from employers. Judge Trotter sentenced Crowley to four100-day sentences, 60 days suspended, 40 days to be served in the Churchill County Jail. Credit for time served was granted. 

Crowley’s appointed attorney, Churchill County Deputy Public Defender, Hampton Young, Jr. requested Crowley’s jail time to be converted to house arrest, which Judge Trotter took under review. 

Crowley is also facing additional drug-related offenses. The matter was set for further review on Monday, August 18.

In addition to these cases, more than 20 other defendants were scheduled to appear on a variety of charges ranging from drug trafficking and embezzlement to property damage, vehicle offenses, and failure to appear. Among them were: