Teresa Moon
Jeffrey Allen Chandler, in custody, appeared for sentencing Tuesday, May 27, in the Tenth Judicial District Court before Judge Thomas Stockard on a Category C Felony charge of Possession of a Stolen Motor Vehicle. Chandler pleaded guilty in March.
Churchill County Public Defender Jacob Sommer began his argument by addressing the legal standard of the case: “Knew or should have known.” He told the court that Chandler had made it clear he did not have actual knowledge the motorcycle was stolen at the time of purchase.
Sommer said his client bought two other motorcycles from the same seller—both of which were not stolen—and emphasized that Chandler had no involvement in the theft itself. “The facts indicate that Mr. Chandler was on reasonable notice that there could have been a problem, and so that’s the reason he took responsibility,” Sommer said, reiterating that he did not participate in the actual theft of the bike.
The defense acknowledged Chandler’s extensive criminal history but pointed to recent progress. “He’s been trying to get himself sorted out with a number of things,” Sommer said. “He is now clear-minded and understands some of the mistakes he has made throughout this case—not just the behavior that got him here, but also the struggles he had in Court Services and things like that.” He asked Judge Stockard to consider probation, conditioned on Chandler completing a substance abuse evaluation and complying with its recommendations.
Sommer then addressed restitution, noting the amount being asked ($7,500) is significant, and said that there was not a legal basis for a full recovery because “Mr. Chandler did not, and I emphasize, he did not steal that motorcycle.” Additionally, another individual is involved in the case.
Senior Deputy District Attorney Chelsea Sanford advocated for full restitution, stating the victim had provided documentation showing comparable motorcycles ranged from $5,999 to $14,999 in value.
“The motorcycle was in working order when it was stolen,” Sanford said. “Replacement costs, depreciation, customization, upgrades, and market demand were all considered. The defendant was the ultimate benefactor of this stolen property—he received a good deal because it was stolen. We need to make the victim whole.”
Sommer countered that the discounted price wasn’t due to the bike being stolen but because it had a nonfunctional engine. “It was in the same condition when it was recovered as when he purchased it,” Sommer said. He argued that a more reasonable restitution figure would be $2,000. “If Mr. Chandler were to testify, he would say the bike was already in that condition when he bought it.”
Chandler addressed the court, apologizing to the victim for the emotional and financial toll of the incident. He also expressed remorse for what he called his “childish acts and behaviors” during prior court appearances, acknowledging he had been disrespectful to the court. He accepted full responsibility for possession of the motorcycle.
The victim was present and gave a detailed statement, telling the court that his motorcycle had been in great condition before the theft but was recovered in a severely damaged state.
“It’s missing all its bearings and plastic pieces,” the victim said. “Some parts have been spray-painted different colors, the ignition was jammed out, and now it doesn’t even run.” He described the bike as an older model—“kind of like an old hot rod”—with expensive, hard-to-find parts and asked for full restitution.
Sommer asked the victim if he had any specific evidence that Chandler caused the damage. The victim confirmed that he did not.
After reviewing arguments and testimony, Judge Stockard ordered Chandler to pay $2,500 in restitution and sentenced him to 19–48 months in the Nevada State Prison.
Addressing the defendant, Judge Stockard said, “I’ve considered probation in this case. However, looking at your criminal history, it’s not appropriate.” Chandler was remanded to the Churchill County Sheriff for transport to the Nevada Department of Corrections.
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