Tenth Judicial District Court Tuesday, June 3, Judge Thomas Stockard presiding

Elizabeth Ann Evans 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.

Deputy District Attorney Chelsea Sanford said the case is subject to mandatory probation and asked for standard conditions. Churchill County Alternate Public Defender Wright Noel also requested probation.

Judge Stockard granted Evans probation on sentence of 12–32 months in prison. Evans ordered to obtain a substance abuse evaluation and follow all recommendations.

Jessup Reece Morrison appeared for sentencing on the Category B Felony of Driving Under the Influence of an Intoxicating Liquor or a Controlled or Prohibited Substance, a Third or Subsequent Offense, to which he pleaded guilty in October 2023. The plea agreement reduced the potential sentence from two to 15 years to 1-6 years.

The court reviewed a Pre-Sentence Investigative Report, a letter from Reno-Sparks Gospel Mission, an evaluation from Alliance Mental Health, a Court Services memo, and character references.

Defense attorney Steve Evenson said Morrison completed the Gospel Mission program "absolutely 100% remarkably well" and argued sending him to prison would be "an absolute travesty." Evenson said, "If I had to do this again with Mr. Mills, I would not do it." He cited Pershing County Judge Wagner: "You don't send someone to prison to rehabilitate them; you send them there to punish them." Evenson requested credit for time served and for approximately 355 days spent at the Mission.

Judge Stockard asked whether Evenson had any statutory authority to credit the treatment program. Evenson said he did not.

Morrison told the court he went to the Mission determined to succeed and had taken leadership roles, volunteered, completed counseling, and participated in classes and Bible study. Since completing the program, he has secured housing, employment, and enrollment at TMCC. "I've been working tirelessly," Morrison said. "I worked and fought for my life ... and for my sobriety."

Judge Stockard fined Morrison the statutory $2,000 and sentenced him to 12–36 months in prison. "I think you should be congratulated on what you've done," Judge Stockard said, noting he must follow the law as negotiated. Morrison was remanded to the custody of the Churchill County Sheriff.

Paul Anthony Rice, in custody, admitted to Non-Technical Sentencing Violations, including absconding. In April 2023, Rice was sentenced on three felony charges: Ex-Felon Not to Possess an Electric Stun Device; Unlawful Obtaining and Using of Personal Identifying Information of Another to Avoid or Delay Prosecution; and Ex-Felon Failure to Stop on the Signal of a Peace Officer. His 80–204 month aggregate sentence was suspended, and he was placed on probation for 96 months.

Senior Deputy District Attorney Chelsea Sanford asked that probation be revoked in its entirety. "The state did not believe in all his promises. Unfortunately, the state [was] proven correct by his own conduct," she said.

Churchill County Alternate Public Defender (APD) Wright Noel acknowledged the violations but said Rice had demonstrated some positive progress, including employment, housing, and family responsibilities, before "slipping up." He did not request reinstatement but asked that sentences run concurrently.

Rice told the court, "I know who I am in jail. I know who I am in prison. On the streets, it's a struggle. So, I'm right where I need to be." He apologized for disrespecting the court. "I have people who believe in me. I just don't believe in myself, I don't think."

Judge Stockar revoked Rice's probation and imposed his underlying sentences of 80–204 months, with credit for 527 days served.

Anthony Peter Kancler appeared for sentencing on two charges: Count I, the Gross Misdemeanor of Abuse, Neglect, or Endangerment of a Child Not Causing Substantial Bodily or Mental Harm; and Count II, Misdemeanor Driving Under the Influence of a Controlled Substance (methamphetamine). He pleaded guilty to both in April.

The court reviewed an evaluation from Dr. Hixon-Brenenstall, finding Kancler eligible for probation.

Deputy District Attorney Priscilla Baker said Kancler had taken methamphetamine and drove with his two children, ages 7 and 9, causing an accident. Baker said he has since taken responsibility and is motivated to continue treatment. The state requested a suspended 364-day sentence and probation on Count I, and 10 days with credit for seven days served on the DUI charge, per statutory requirements.

Churchill County Public Defender Jacob Sommer agreed with the state and read from a counselor's letter stating Kancler is building "a stable and healthy future." Sommer said Kancler is employed, has changed his life, and regrets involving his children. He asked for the remaining three DUI days to be served on house arrest.

Kancler told the court the incident had a positive effect on his life: "If this didn't happen, I would still be out there." He said his children are doing well, and he is grateful.

On Count I, Judge Stockard delivered a suspended sentence of 364 days and 12 months' probation. Kancler must obtain and follow substance abuse evaluation recommendations. On Count II, he received a 10-day jail sentence, with seven days credited and the remaining three days of house arrest to be served within 45 days.

Matthew Dean Goodner failed to appear for sentencing. Released on his own recognizance in May with an ankle monitor, he removed it later that day. Neither Court Services nor his attorney have heard from him. A warrant remains active.

Austin Taylor Dyer's sentencing violation hearing was continued to June 24.