Justice Court Update – Apr. 10, 2025

New River Township Justice Court in Fallon convened Tuesday, Apr. 10, with Judge Benjamin Trotter presiding.

Joshua Smith appeared via Zoom for sentencing on one count of battery, a misdemeanor. He was originally charged with child abuse for striking a 17-year-old during an off-campus fight while still enrolled in high school. The charge was reduced through negotiation. Deputy District Attorney Priscilla Baker requested a $1,000 fine with $800 suspended and 12 hours of community service. Churchill County Public Defender Jacob Sommer argued against community service, citing Smith’s remorse and work-related travel. Judge Trotter imposed the $1,000 fine with $800 suspended for two years, ordered payment of $340 in fines and assessments within 60 days, and waived community service. 

Mateo Bravo Lima appeared with interpreter Maria Davis and was sentenced on multiple counts, including DUI, open container, no insurance, and a headlight violation. On the DUI, Judge Trotter imposed 20 days in jail with two to be served, credit for one day time served, and the remaining converted to eight hours of community service. The balance of 24 hours was ordered to be completed through Fallon Parks and Recreation by Aug. 1. Trotter ordered Lima to pay $585 in DUI-related fines and complete a victim impact panel. The court imposed statutory penalties and fees for the other counts, totaling $1,635.

Jesse Fairbanks appeared via Zoom for sentencing in two petit larceny cases. He pleaded guilty to stealing $481.04 in merchandise from Walmart and $64.94 from Big R. Judge Trotter imposed 10 days in jail on each count, suspended for two years, and ordered full restitution within 12 months.

Richard Hines appeared for sentencing on a charge related to damage at Banner Hospital. The court accepted $76 as full restitution and imposed 90 days in jail, suspended for two years.

Harley Fausey appeared for sentencing on one count of DUI. DDA Baker noted Fausey’s blood alcohol levels were 0.123 and 0.116, and he was speeding and changing lanes dangerously. CCPD Sommer said Fausey had no prior record and was deeply affected by spending a day in jail. Judge Trotter sentenced him to 48 hours in jail, credited 24 hours, and converted the rest to community service at the Fallon Fire Department. Fausey was fined $585.

Joseph Matheson appeared with CCPD Sommer for a status hearing. He pleaded guilty to possession of a controlled substance, a felony, and to misdemeanor driving on a license revoked for DUI. The felony will be transferred to District Court, where Matheson intends to apply for Western Regional Drug Court. On the misdemeanor, Judge Trotter imposed 30 days in jail with six days credited, and the remainder converted to 60 days of house arrest. Matheson was ordered to provide proof of completion and pay all associated costs.

Charles Lee appeared with Deputy Public Defender Hampton Young for sentencing on first-offense domestic battery. The court received a victim impact statement. Baker requested statutory minimums and an alcohol evaluation. Young noted this was the first incident and that Lee had taken responsibility. Lee expressed remorse. Judge Trotter imposed two days in jail (credit given), 48 hours of community service at the Daily Bread program, and statutory fees and fines. Lee must complete 26 weekly sessions of domestic violence counseling within 12 months and obtain a substance abuse evaluation within 90 days.

Jamie Van Dyke appeared with DPD Young for sentencing on first-offense domestic battery. Baker noted the victim had been notified and did not object to Van Dyke’s presence at home. Young described the incident as minor. Judge Trotter imposed the statutory minimum: two days in jail (credit given), 48 hours of community service through Daily Bread, and $340 in fines. Van Dyke was given six months to complete service and 60 days to pay. She must also complete 26 sessions of domestic violence counseling within 12 months.

Michael Timothy appeared on three active Justice Court cases and several unpaid matters. He pleaded guilty to possession of stolen property valued under $1,200 and driving on a suspended license. A third case was continued for sentencing. Judge Trotter imposed a $200 fine on the license violation and a $105 assessment. Sentencing on the theft case was set for May 15 at 8:30 a.m. Timothy owes $1,195 across multiple older cases, including $95 in unpaid restitution due in March. Judge Trotter required him to pay that amount by 5 p.m. that day as a condition of release. He was ordered to make $50 monthly payments on the remaining balance beginning Jun. 1.