Tenth Judicial District Court Tuesday, July 8, Judge Thomas Stockard presiding

The Tenth Judicial District Court convened Tuesday, July 8, with Judge Thomas Stockard presiding. 

Bran Maynard Pierson appeared for sentencing on Category B Felony 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 February. The charge is punishable by 1-6 years in prison with a mandatory fine of $2,000-$5,000.

Chief Deputy District Attorney Lane Mills pointed out that there is a stipulated sentence of 24-72 months in the Nevada State Prison and deferred to the court to order an appropriate fine.

Churchill County Public Defender (CCPD) Jacob Sommer commended Pierson’s efforts, saying, “I don’t get the opportunity very often to stand up and just be so proud of a client for the work that they’ve done.” Sommer said Pierson completed the Reno-Sparks Gospel Mission program, which changed his life in “meaningful ways,” and requested the minimum statutory fine.

Pierson thanked the court and said, “Without the Reno-Sparks Mission, I wouldn’t be here today. I have hope, and I have people that have my best interests in mind.” He expressed plans to return to the mission for continued support upon parole.

Judge Stockard praised Pierson’s progress, stating, “Hearing what you’ve said restores my faith. You walked the walk.” Stockard imposed the agreed-upon sentence of 24–72 months in prison and a $2,000 fine, noting it was “substantially less than it would have been had you not walked the walk.” Pierson was remanded to the custody of the Churchill County Sheriff’s Office for imposition of the sentence.

Christopher Justin Gelineau, in custody, appeared for sentencing on Attempt to Commit Home Invasion, a Category C Felony.

Alternate Public Defender (APD) Wright Noel said restitution of $175 had been paid and explained the incident involved an on-again, off-again relationship. Gelineau, intoxicated, kicked down a motel room door to retrieve his possessions. “While obviously inappropriate, this was not an attempt to burglarize,” Noel said, adding that his client struggles with substance abuse and requested placement in Western Regional Drug Court as a probation condition.

Gelineau apologized, calling his actions “embarrassing and shameful.” He told the court, “I took this deal in hopes that I could get some treatment for my alcohol and drug addictions.”

“With this criminal history, this is a close call,” Judge Stockard warned. “When I say no alcohol, I want you to understand how serious I am about it.” Stockard granted Gelineau probation on a suspended 24–60-month prison sentence and ordered restitution. Conditions include completing a substance abuse evaluation and Western Regional Drug Court.

Lillian Frances Smith, in custody, admitted to Non-Technical Sentencing Violations that include absconding from probation and court-ordered DUI Diversion, which carries a mandatory prison term if revoked.

Smith initially pled guilty in September 2021 to Driving Under the Influence, a Third or Subsequent Offense, a Category B Felony, and misdemeanor Battery on an Officer. She was admitted to DUI Diversion at that time.

CCPD Jacob Sommer said his client accepts responsibility and requested minimum terms, with the misdemeanor to run concurrently to the felony.

Smith admitted, “I was a coward, and I ran,” adding she knew her behavior was unacceptable.

On the DUI, Judge Stockard imposed fees and assessments, revoked Smith’s probation, and imposed the underlying sentence of 19–48 months in prison and a $2,000 fine. He further ordered Smith to serve a concurrent 364-day jail term on the Battery on an Officer charge.

Wallace Edward Stevens admitted to a Non-Technical Sentencing Violation for absconding. Stevens initially pled guilty in December 2021 to Uttering a Forged Instrument, a Category D Felony.

Deputy District Attorney (DDA) Ryan McCormick requested revocation of probation and imposition of the underlying sentence. CCPD Sommer acknowledged the state’s position but asked the court to consider a dishonorable discharge from probation as an alternative.

Judge Stockard revoked probation and modified the sentence to 12–48 months, to run consecutive to a Washoe County sentence Stevens is currently serving.

Kevin Jay Chico, in custody, refused to appear for a scheduled hearing. CCPD Jacob Sommer said Chico has also refused to meet with him several times. The court acknowledged receipt of reports that indicate Chico can proceed to adjudication. Judge Stockard remanded the case back to Justice Court, where it originated. Chico was charged in 2024 with Petit Larceny, Robbery with a Deadly Weapon, Robbery of an Elderly Victim, First Degree Kidnapping, Own or Possess a Firearm as a Prohibited Person, Assault with a Deadly Weapon, and Grand Larceny of a Motor Vehicle.

Jolean Marie Boag did not appear for her status hearing. The court issued an Order to Show Cause for failing to comply, with a hearing set for August 12.

June 24 appearances not published in the July 11, 2025, edition of The Fallon Post.

Jonathan Sotero Kelley appeared in the Tenth Judicial District Court before Judge Thomas Stockard for a status hearing regarding a petition to be honorably discharged from supervision by the Division of Parole and Probation.

The state opposed discharging Kelley, with Chief Deputy District Attorney Lane Mills stating that Kelley has failed to pay any supervision or court fees. “He should not be rewarded for what the state can only characterize as sheer contempt of this court’s order,” Mills said. “At best it's contempt; at worst it's just laziness.”

Parole and Probation Officer Montgomery told the court that Kelley’s supervising officer believed Kelley had fulfilled his probation obligations, except for the unpaid fees.

Churchill County Alternate Public Defender Wright Noel said Kelley told him the supervision fees had been paid and Montgomery agreed to check on this.

The Clerk of the Court reported no record of any payments made. Kelley told the court the fees would be paid by July 4.

Kelsey Jordan Moore pleaded guilty to a Category D Felony of Fraudulent Use of a Credit Card or a Debit Card and to a Category E Felony of Possession of a Controlled Substance (methamphetamine). Each charge is punishable by 1–4 years and a fine up to $5,000.

Churchill County Public Defender (CCPD) Jacob Sommer told the court that Moore was previously ordered to pay restitution, and the full amount has been collected by his office and will be tendered that day.

Judge Stockard ordered a Pre-Sentence Investigation (PSI) and set sentencing for August 26.

Magdaleno Ramirez-Ruiz appeared for an arraignment and status hearing. Judge Stockard noted the case dates back to August 2002, when he was working at the Churchill County District Attorney’s Office. He stated he does not believe he was involved and feels he can fairly preside, and asked CCPD Jacob Sommer to discuss the matter with the defendant.

Sommer raised the issue of bail. CDDA Lane Mills requested $20,000 cash-only bail, stating the case had previously been set for trial and Ramirez-Ruiz failed to appear. Mills said, “The jury, counsels, court personnel, and witnesses were there — and no defendant.”

Sommer requested bail be set at $5,000, arguing it must be reasonable and noting the underlying charge was simple possession of a controlled substance.

Judge Stockard cited the failure to appear and the 23-year absence without any effort to resolve the case. “I have to look at his individual circumstances, including his character and his ties to the community,” Stockard said. “I don't feel I've heard anything about his character other than the fact that he didn't show up for a jury trial and he hasn't shown up for 23 years.”

Stockard set bail at $20,000 cash only and continued the matter until July 15.