Inappropriate Interaction Earns Hicks 364 Days in Jail

Taylon Jeffery Hicks appeared for sentencing in the Tenth Judicial District Court on June 3 before Judge Thomas Stockard. Hicks, who is in custody, pleaded guilty to a misdemeanor charge of Open and Gross Lewdness in February, which is punishable by up to 364 days in jail.

Deputy District Attorney Priscilla Baker called the matter “a difficult case,” explaining that Hicks had been staying with relatives and failed to register within 48 hours as required, which led to his initial arrest. According to the Churchill County Sheriff’s Office, Hicks was arrested on Oct. 4, 2024, on a Contempt of Court Warrant and a felony Failure to Register as a Sex Offender charge. The current case developed later.

According to Baker, during an interaction with a female—at which time they were intoxicated—Hicks was inappropriate with her. Although the victim feels traumatized, she also recognizes Hicks struggles with severe substance abuse and wants him to get help.

“So, with that, the state believes he should be put in either in-patient treatment or Drug Court to get a handle on his substance abuse,” Baker said, asking the court to place Hicks on probation at the victim's request, “and get a handle on his treatment.”

For the court to consider Hicks for probation in case, Hicks underwent a risk assessment. According to Churchill County Public Defender Jacob Sommer, the evaluation made recommendations for probation and placement in the Western Nevada Regional Drug Court program. He referenced recommendations by evaluator Dr. Hixon-Brenenstall, indicating that everyone—Mr. Hicks included, would benefit. 

Sommer said his client is a young man who has battled substance abuse from an early age, and now recognizes that many of the issues and challenges in his life stem from his addiction. “Mr. Hicks intends to move forward; he knows that his substance abuse needs to be something he gets a handle on immediately. He has family support … they intend to support him in whatever way they can,” Sommer concluded, requesting probation with placement in the specialty court program as a condition.

Hicks addressed the court, saying, “All my problems have been surrounded by substance abuse, and I’m tired of messing with it.”

“I find that you are eligible for probation based on the evaluation by Dr. Hixon-Brenenstall,” Judge Stockard told Hicks. “But I am not going to grant you that privilege.”

Fees and assessments were imposed, and Hicks was sentenced to 364 days in the Churchill County Jail. He was remanded to the custody of the Churchill County Sheriff for imposition of the sentence.