District Court April 1

The Tenth Judicial District Court convened Tuesday, April 1, with Judge Thomas Stockard presiding.

Heather Aulani Muller pleaded guilty to Conspiracy to Commit Assault with a Deadly Weapon, a Gross Misdemeanor punishable by up to 364 days in jail and a fine up to $2,000.

Chief Deputy District Attorney Lane Mills said Muller had been “drinking heavily” and chased her younger sister with a knife but noted the family primarily wants her to get help.

Steve Evenson, Esq. defense counsel for Muller, requested immediate entry into alternative sentencing through the specialty court track or traditional diversion. He said Muller is doing well at New Frontier, where she receives structured support in addition to substance abuse treatment.

Judge Stockard granted probation on a suspended sentence of 364 days, placed her on probation for 12 months, and ordered her into the Western Nevada Regional Specialty Court program.

Anthony Peter Kancler pleaded guilty to two charges: Count I – Abuse, Neglect, or Endangerment of a Child Not Causing Substantial Bodily or Mental Harm, a Gross Misdemeanor punishable by up to 364 days in jail and a fine up to $2,000; Count II – Driving Under the Influence of a Controlled Substance (methamphetamine), a Misdemeanor Second Offense punishable by up to 180 days in jail and a fine up to $1,000.

To be eligible for probation, Kancler must complete a psychological risk assessment showing he is not at high risk to re-offend. Sentencing was set for June 3.

Jeremy Wayne Southard admitted to a sentencing violation involving alcohol use. Deputy District Attorney Priscilla Baker reminded the court of what Southard is on probation for: Abuse, Neglect, or Endangerment of a Child Not Causing Substantial Bodily or Mental Harm, and Battery Constituting Domestic Violence. She said the infant’s mother returned to find the child unsupervised. When Southard came home, the two argued, and he wrapped his arms around her neck until she passed out.

Southard was sentenced in July 2024. Two months later, he was arrested for DUI with a Blood Alcohol Content of .234. Baker asked the court to revoke probation and impose the underlying sentence.

Churchill County Alternate Public Defender (APD) Wright Noel questioned the delay in bringing the violation forward and said Southard had completed all required classes and was engaged in treatment at New Frontier.

Judge Stockard reinstated probation, ordered the forfeiture of good time credit, and said, “Since September, you’ve done something.” He emphasized sobriety, stating there is to be no alcohol use “on good days or on bad days.”

Kenneth Jermaine Estrada appeared for sentencing after pleading guilty in January to Failure to Stop on the Signal of a Peace Officer, a Category B Felony.

Senior Deputy District Attorney Chelsea Sanford said the state believes he is capable of reform. He has no criminal history and participated in Specialty Court until his removal in March. “He shows remorse,” she said, adding he needs guidance to avoid future offenses.

Churchill County Public Defender (CCPD) Jacob Sommer said Estrada performs daily community service and is committed to change, though it’s been a slow process. Estrada tested presumptively positive for marijuana last week, but Sommer said the previous use was mid-February.

Judge Stockard continued the hearing to May 6 and ordered daily testing. “If you don’t want to go to prison, get a job,” he said. He noted the case stemmed from eluding law enforcement, not substance use, and expressed doubt about Estrada’s timeline. “You’re smoking more than you admit,” Stockard said. He allowed placement back into Specialty Court.

Christopher Paul Zimmer appeared for sentencing after pleading guilty to Non-Support of a Spouse, Former Spouse, or Child, a Category C Felony.

CDDA Mills argued for prison, saying Zimmer had made no effort to pay support. “He hasn’t paid a dime—not a nickel, not a penny,” Mills said. He acknowledged Zimmer’s difficult upbringing but said that doesn’t excuse inaction. “There’s no reason he can’t get a job. His employment history is devoid of work.”

CCPD Sommer agreed the state’s request was not unreasonable but asked for probation with strict employment and support requirements. “Mr. Zimmer hasn’t had the advantages of responsible guidance,” he said. Zimmer told the court, “I just want to apologize for everything … I honestly don’t know anymore.”

Judge Stockard sentenced Zimmer to 12–36 months in the Nevada State Prison, stating, “If I had just seen a modicum of effort, I might have considered [probation]. But that has not happened.” Zimmer was remanded to the Churchill County Sheriff’s custody.

Timothy Michael Riddle appeared for a status hearing following a March 18 Notice of Violation of Conditions of Release due to a positive methamphetamine test with Carson City Drug Court.

SDDA Sanford noted Riddle had paid restitution in full and said the court had discretion to revoke his release pending sentencing, set for April 29.

APD Noel asked that Riddle’s own recognizance (OR) release be reinstated, citing active Drug Court supervision and fulfilled restitution obligation.

Riddle told the court, “I fully take responsibility for my actions,” and said he had increased counseling sessions.

Judge Stockard acknowledged the violation and Riddle’s progress. “I don’t think it would be unreasonable for me to just order you to stay in custody until sentencing. I’m not going to do that,” he said. Riddle’s OR release was reinstated with conditions. 

David Bryan Finley, in custody, appeared for sentencing on two Category B Felonies: Count I – Driving Under the Influence, Third Offense, and

Count II – Failure to Stop on the Signal of a Peace Officer.

SDDA Sanford requested consecutive sentences, citing BACs of .113 and .109, with $10,990.32 in restitution. She cited a significant criminal history, including violent and sexual offenses. Sanford described a high-speed pursuit through residential neighborhoods during school dismissal and said Finley showed no remorse and has had multiple opportunities for treatment.

 CCPD Noel said Finley began drinking at age nine and has battled addiction his entire life. He asked for DUI diversion and probation, stating Finley was asking for help.

 Judge Stockard denied probation and sentenced Finley to 12–36 months on each count, to run consecutively for a total of 24–72 months in prison. He was remanded to the Churchill County Sheriff.