Tenth Judicial District Court - Tuesday, May 27, Judge Thomas Stockard presiding

The Tenth Judicial District Court convened Tuesday, May 27, with Judge Thomas Stockard presiding.

Bryant Bennett Jayne pleaded guilty to four Gross Misdemeanors: two counts of Unlawful Acts Related to Human Excrement or Bodily Fluid Without Disease; one count of Battery of an Officer, a Provider of Healthcare, a School Employee, a Taxicab Driver, a Transit Operator, or a Sports Official; and one count of Intimidating a Public Officer Without Threat. Each charge is punishable by up to 364 days in jail and a fine of up to $2,000.

The factual basis included multiple incidents while Jayne was in custody: spitting on a deputy's arm, having feces on his person and throwing water on two deputies, spitting on another deputy, and threatening to harm or kill deputies' family members. The court set sentencing for July 22.

Matthew Bernard Williams, in custody, appeared for a sentencing violation hearing. Churchill County Public Defender (CCPD) Jacob Sommer said he had discussed the matter with his client, who intends to deny the allegation. An evidentiary hearing was set for June 9 at 1:30 p.m.

Jeremy Lee Morton, in custody, pleaded guilty to Possession of a Controlled Substance (methamphetamine), a first or second offense, a Category E Felony punishable by one to four years in prison and a fine up to $5,000. CCPD Sommer requested provisional entry into the Western Regional Drug Court program.

Chief Deputy District Attorney Lane Mills said law enforcement had responded to the home of Morton's parents, from which he had previously been trespassed. Mills had no objection to Drug Court but asked that housing and victim safety be addressed. Judge Stockard granted provisional drug court admission. Morton will remain in custody until the Drug Court judge releases him. Conditions include maintaining appropriate housing, testing clean prior to release, and refraining from any contact with the victims. Sentencing was set for July 29.

Lawrence Alvin Stone, in custody, pleaded guilty to the Category E Felony of Possession of a Controlled Substance (methamphetamine), a first or second offense, punishable by one to four years in prison and a fine up to $5,000. Churchill County Alternate Public Defender (APD) Wright Noel requested Drug Court, to which CDDA Mills did not object.

Stone told the court he wanted "to do a program to get some extra help." Judge Stockard suspended proceedings, deferred judgment, and placed Stone on 12 months probation, requiring a substance abuse evaluation and compliance with recommendations. 

Ryan James Seilhymer, in custody, admitted to a Non-Technical Sentencing Violation. APD Noel said his client would not seek reinstatement but instead "just do the time," acknowledging the missed opportunity and expressing regret 

Seilhymer thanked the court, saying, "I made the bed, and I can lie in it." Judge Stockard revoked probation and imposed the original sentence for Possession of a Controlled Substance (heroin), a Category B Felony to which Seilhymer pleaded guilty on May 11, 2021. He received 283 days of credit for time served.

Joshua Jamar Harvey, in custody, admitted to a Technical Sentencing Violation related to residence and controlled substance provisions. Senior Deputy District Attorney Chelsea Sanford requested a 30-day revocation and that Harvey be required to complete a 30-day inpatient program.

CCPD Sommer did not object but asked that Harvey be released upon completion to preserve his employment. Harvey told the court, "It took me a long time to just get a job here, and I just don't want to lose it due to a mistake. And I apologize. I take full responsibility." Judge Stockard temporarily revoked probation and modified the terms to require inpatient treatment within six months.

John Reed Crysler, in custody, appeared for sentencing on the Category B Felony of Driving Under the Influence of an Intoxicating Liquor or a Controlled or Prohibited Substance. The charge, to which he pleaded guilty in March, carries a mandatory prison sentence. 

CCPD Sommer said Crysler, age 64, expressed regret and acknowledged he can no longer drink. "He regrets not taking care of this sooner," Sommer said, requesting the minimum sentence.

"I truly did not ever want to get another DUI," Crysler stated. "It was my mistake." He apologized to the court and the community. Judge Stockard imposed fees and assessments and sentenced Crysler to 48–120 months in prison and a fine up to $2,000, with 116 days of credit for time served. He was remanded to the custody of the Churchill County Sheriff for imposition of sentence.

Austin Taylor Dyer's sentencing violation hearing was continued to June 3.

Charles Lee Gilmore's hearings were continued to June 10.