The Tenth Judicial District Court convened Tuesday, June 10, with Judge Robert Estes presiding.
Brandon Jean Herrera pleaded guilty to Battery with a Deadly Weapon, a Category B Felony that carries a potential penalty of 2–10 years in the Nevada State Prison and a fine of up to $10,000. The factual basis stated that Herrera unlawfully used force or violence upon another person by inserting or attempting to insert a foreign object into an individual's mouth without consent. Judge Estes ordered a Pre-Sentencing Investigation and set sentencing for August 12.
Jeremy Gabriel Villanueva, in custody at Northern Nevada Correctional Center, pleaded guilty to Attempt to Possess or Receive a Forged Instrument or Bill. A wobbler charge may be sentenced as either a Gross Misdemeanor or a Category D Felony. As a gross misdemeanor, the offense is punishable by up to 364 days in jail and a fine of up to $2,000. As a felony, it carries a prison term of 1–4 years and a fine of up to $5,000. The factual basis stated Villanueva possessed a forged $100 bill. Judge Estes ordered a Pre-Sentencing Investigation and set sentencing for August 12.
Daniel Allen Wright appeared for sentencing on Non-Support of a Spouse, Former Spouse, or a Child, a Category C Felony, to which he pleaded guilty in January 2024. Per a negotiated agreement, the state reduced the charge to a Gross Misdemeanor after Wright made his support payments in full and on time for over a year.
Deputy District Attorney Lane Mills said, "I think everybody in this courtroom knows the importance of being a parent. Being there, providing financially for your child — how important that is to every child's development." Mills noted that Wright had met his obligations for 13 months. "We want to encourage him to continue to do that, to live up to his obligations — as a law and as a man." The state requested a 12-month suspended sentence and probation, conditioned on continued complete and timely payments.
Churchill County Public Defender Jacob Sommer said, "Daniel has worked very hard to comply with his obligations and take advantage of this agreement. He is thankful for the opportunity." Sommer requested a 90-day suspended sentence with probation, also contingent on continued monthly payments of approximately $650.
Wright addressed the court: "I did fall off a little bit a year and a half or so ago. But I have been working extremely hard to correct my mistake."
Judge Estes placed Wright on probation for a year, with a suspended sentence of six months in jail, subject to the condition that he make every payment on time.
Charles Lee Gilmore, in custody, pleaded guilty to Possession of a Controlled Substance (methamphetamine), a Category E Felony with a potential penalty of 1–4 years in prison and a fine of up to $5,000.
Senior Deputy District Attorney Chelsea Sanford told the court that Gilmore was sentenced in April on two unrelated Gross Misdemeanors and was granted probation. At that time, it appeared the root of his criminal behavior was anger, not substance use. However, just 18 days later, he was arrested for DUI and found in possession of methamphetamine. Sanford reminded the court that this is a mandatory probation case and requested a suspended sentence of 12–48 months in prison.
Churchill County Alternate Public Defender Hampton Young said Gilmore is a Navy veteran with PTSD who is remorseful for his behavior. "He's been in contact with the criminal justice system just for a very short time," Young said. The defense asked the court to place Gilmore in the Western Nevada Drug Court program as a condition of probation.
Gilmore addressed the court, stating, " I want to take care of me to be better as a person." He said he is eager to take responsibility, care for his children, and participate in the Drug Court program. "I just want to do right," he said.
Judge Estes granted Gilmore probation on a suspended sentence of 12–48 months in prison, with the condition that he complete the Drug Court. Gilmore's Sentencing Violation Hearing continued to July 1.
Steven Henry Gainey's arraignment continued to July 8.
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