Kenneth Jermaine Estrada appeared for sentencing on the Category B Felony of Failure to Stop on the Signal of a Peace Officer, which he pleaded guilty to in January.
Senior Deputy District Attorney Chelsea Sanford informed the court that the State would stand silent pursuant to the plea agreement.
Churchill County Public Defender Jacob Sommer acknowledged the seriousness of the offense. “The underlying offense is serious and something that Kenneth is, frankly, ashamed to be involved with,” he said. Sommer described Estrada as someone who has made significant progress and could benefit from additional support.
“He’s learned a lot, come a long way, and even though we’re here now, given the circumstances, he wants to be successful in the program,” Sommer said. The defense asked the court to place Estrada in the Western Regional Specialty Court program under diversion status.
Estrada addressed the court, expressing his desire to grow and change. “I’ve been trying really, really hard just to prove myself worthy and improve myself,” he said. “I do feel ashamed, but the program really does help—and I’ve learned a lot about myself.” He said his previous struggles with maintaining employment were tied to marijuana use and a lack of mental health care.
Based on the evaluation, Judge Stockard found Estrada eligible for diversion. He suspended and deferred further proceedings and placed Estrada on probation for 12 months with the condition that he enter and complete the Western Regional Specialty Court.
“It sounds like you’re on the right track, which is a great place to be,” Stockard said. “I just hope it keeps going forward, and that the words you spoke today—I hope you’re sincere about them.”
Michael David Vallejos Raymundo appeared for sentencing on the wobbler charge of Attempt to Possess or Receive Forged Instruments or Bills, which may be sentenced as either a Gross Misdemeanor or a Category D Felony. He pleaded guilty on March 4.
Chief Deputy District Attorney Lane Mills urged the court to treat the offense as a felony. “The court has before it Mr. Raymundo, who is not a young man. This is not a crime committed by somebody who is young and ignorant. It is somebody who was calculated,” Mills said.
He accused the defendant of coming to Fallon “to victimize our community” and read from Raymundo’s criminal history dating back to 1989. “He is a thief—a criminal,” Mills said. The State asked for felony sentencing. If probation were granted, Mills requested a $2,000 fine to ensure the defendant “pays a price” and learns to earn an honest living rather than “stealing from others, which is what he has made his life doing.”
Churchill County Alternate Public Defender Wright Noel asked the court to impose a Category D Felony with probation. “We are dealing with a relatively small sum here,” Noel said, noting that Raymundo is facing serious health concerns and is in the process of selling real estate with his siblings to improve his financial situation.
Fees and assessments were imposed. Judge Stockard sentenced the wobbler as a felony and delivered a suspended sentence of 19–48 months. He imposed a $2,000 fine to be paid within six months. Raymundo was placed on probation for 24 months with the conditions that he have no contact with his co-defendant and obtain a substance abuse evaluation and follow all recommendations.
Jonathan Dale Keller, in custody, admitted to a Non-Technical Sentencing Violation for failing to complete the Western Nevada Regional Drug Court. He had been on probation for the Gross Misdemeanor of Injuring or Tampering with a Vehicle Causing $250 to $5,000 in Damages. Keller’s original sentence of 364 days in the Churchill County Jail had been suspended.
Senior Deputy District Attorney Chelsea Sanford argued that drug court is a privilege. She reminded the court that Keller had been granted probation with the condition he complete drug court and pay restitution, which has not been received. Sanford noted that Keller left inpatient treatment, then left the program, and is now seeking another chance.
“The State is interested in holding this defendant accountable and seeking restitution,” Sanford said, asking the court to revoke Keller’s probation.
Appointed defense attorney Charles Woodman acknowledged his client’s struggles. “Mr. Keller probably needs Specialty Court as much as he needs Drug Court,” he said, noting that Keller is homeless, living in a tent, and barely surviving. Woodman told the court that if probation were revoked, Keller would at least “have a roof over his head for the next several months, he'd be fed, and wouldn’t have to deal with homelessness.”
Woodman argued for reinstatement of probation with behavioral health support. “What we might very well end up with is a man who learns what issues he needs to deal with—who can get a job, a place to live, and become a productive member of society,” he said.
Judge Stockard denied the request, revoked Keller’s probation, imposed the underlying sentence of 364 days in jail, and remanded him to custody of the Churchill County Sheriff.
Continuances:
- Christopher Anakin Marcellino’s sentencing was continued to May 13, with the added condition of daily testing with Court Services.
- Matthew Bernard Williams’s Sentencing Violation Hearing was continued to May 27.
- Amber Lynn Krenzxavier, in custody, appeared for arraignment on two cases and a Sentencing Violation. All hearings were continued to May 13.
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