Tenth Judicial District Court Tuesday, July 29, Judge Thomas Stockard presiding

The Tenth Judicial District Court convened on Tuesday, July 29, with Judge Thomas Stockard presiding.  

Melissa Shawnette Aleman pleaded guilty to two counts of Category D Felony of Making, Uttering, or Possessing with Intent to Utter a Fictitious Bill, Note, or Check. Each charge is punishable by 1–4 years in prison and a fine of up to $5,000. Sentencing was set for September 30.

Joseph Anthony Mathison appeared for sentencing on Possession of a Controlled Substance (methamphetamine), a Category E Felony, to which he pleaded guilty in May.

Based on recommendations from Deputy District Attorney (DDA) Priscilla Baker and Churchill County Public Defender (CCPD) Jacob Sommer that Mathison had shown himself responsible and willing to comply, Judge Stockard granted probation on a suspended 19–48-month sentence, placed Mathison in the Western Regional Drug Court program, and ordered him to follow the recommendations of his substance abuse evaluation.

Jeremy Lee Morton appeared for sentencing on Category E Felony Possession of a Controlled Substance (methamphetamine), to which he pleaded guilty in May. Judge Stockard found Morton in direct contempt of court for appearing under the influence of multiple controlled substances. Stockard ordered him to serve seven days in jail and continued sentencing to August 5. 

Martin Rosas, in custody, pleaded guilty to Failure to Stop on the Signal of a Peace Officer, a Category E Felony punishable by 1–4 years in prison and a fine up to $5,000. Judge Stockard ordered a Pre-Sentence Investigation (PSI) and set sentencing for September 30.

Ronald G. Renzulli, in custody, pleaded guilty to Embezzlement in the amount of $1,200 to $5,000, a Category D Felony punishable by 1–4 years and a fine up to $5,000.

Senior Deputy District Attorney (SDDA) Chelsea Sanford said Renzulli was on parole when he accepted $1,100 for home improvement work, received tools and gas money, and failed to complete the job or return the funds. The state requested $1,200 in restitution.

CCPD Jacob Sommer explained that Renzulli took a short job in California, where he violated his probation or parole, and has since remained incarcerated. Sommer requested a suspended sentence or the statutory minimums.

Based on Renzulli's criminal history, Judge Stockard denied probation and sentenced him to 14-46 months in prison, which is to run consecutively to his current sentence.

Timothy Raymond Ruth, in custody, pleaded guilty to two Category A Felonies: Count I, Sexual Assault of a Child Under 14 which punishable by a mandatory to life in prison term, with the possibility of parole after 35 years; and Count II, Using a Minor to Produce Pornography or as the Subject of a Sexual Portrayal in a Performance. Producing Pornography or as a Subject of a Sexual Portrayal and Performance is punishable by life in prison with the possibility of parole after 10 years and a fine of up to $100,000.

CCPD Jacob Sommer stated that Ruth was initially charged with seven counts in Churchill County and 24 counts in Mineral County. The plea resolves all charges in both jurisdictions. Judge Stockard ordered a PSI and set sentencing for October 14.

Luis Alberto Machado, in custody, pleaded guilty to Battery Causing Substantial Bodily Harm, a Category C Felony punishable by 1–5 years in prison and a fine up to $10,000.

Judge Stockard ordered a PSI and set sentencing for September 30.

Aidyn Jace Purdy-Knudson, in custody, pleaded guilty to two Category B Felonies: Count I – Failure to Stop on the Signal of a Peace Officer; Count II – Assault on an Officer with the Use of a Deadly Weapon. Each charge is punishable by 1–6 years in prison and a fine of up to $5,000. Judge Stockard ordered a PSI and set sentencing for September 30.

Troy Holbrook, in custody, admitted to a non-technical sentencing violation, including absconding, in relation to a Category D Felony for Failure to Stop on the Signal of a Peace Officer, which is punishable by 1-6 years in prison. 

SDDA Chelsea Sanford reported that Holbrook never checked in with probation, stating, "He got what he wanted [probation] and he skedaddled." Judge Stockard revoked Holbrook's probation and remanded him to custody for imposition of his underlying sentence.