Teresa Moon
Lisha Ellen Douglas pleaded no contest, or guilty pursuant to Alford, to Possession of a Controlled Substance, First or Second Offense — a Category E Felony punishable by 1–4 years in prison and a fine of up to $5,000. In an Alford plea, defendants do not admit guilt, however, accept the full penalties of a guilty plea.
Deputy District Attorney (DDA) Priscilla Baker said the state could prove Douglas possessed methamphetamine and recommended Douglas be placed on probation and Drug Court.
Churchill County Alternate Public Defender (APD) Wright Noel asked the Court to grant his client the privilege of entering Drug Court.
Douglas addressed Judge Stockard directly, saying, “Be patient with me. I've been going through a lot the last few years … and am just starting to get better.” She said she was willing to give Drug Court a try.
Judge Stockard responded, “I see some real red flags; like drug court — if you're ‘willing to try it,’ that's not going to work. You’re either going to go in and do it, or you're not going to do it.”
Stockard suspended proceedings and ordered Douglas to obtain a substance abuse evaluation, follow all recommendations, and complete the Western Regional Drug Court Program.
Laura Marshall pleaded guilty to the Category C Felony of Possession of a Controlled Substance, Low Level, punishable by 1–5 years in prison and a fine up to $10,000. She was found in possession of more than 14 grams of psilocybin mushrooms, a Schedule I controlled substance. Judge Stockard ordered a Pre-Sentence Investigation (PSI) and set sentencing for October 28.
Michael Duane Alliston, in Washoe County custody, failed to appear for arraignment. Judge Stockard issued a $25,000 cash bench warrant.
Matthew David Honecker appeared for arraignment on a Category E Felony of Possession of a Controlled Substance (methamphetamine), a first or second offense punishable by 1–4 years in prison and a fine up to $5,000. He also appeared on a non-technical probation violation involving failure to report to Parole & Probation, violating conditions regarding prohibited associations and conduct. Honecker admitted to the violations on Aug. 12 and pleaded guilty to the possession charge during proceedings.
DDA Baker requested the 19–48-month sentence, emphasizing that Honecker committed the offense while on probation for a previous drug possession conviction. “We ask the court to encourage this defendant to take this opportunity seriously,” Baker said, adding that Honecker is currently doing well in the Lionheart Recovery program. “We hope he stays on that path, and we don’t see him again.”
APD Wright Noel also asked for probation, stating his client is engaged in a VA-affiliated program and is making progress. “We're not asking for Drug Court, just that Mr. Honecker be allowed to continue his program,” he said.
Honecker told the court, “This whole thing has been a blessing to me.” He said he had lacked the tools for recovery but was now learning them. “I’ve never felt more alive, honestly.”
Judge Stockard granted Honecker probation on a suspended 19–48-month sentence and ordered him to complete the Lionheart program and aftercare. On the violation, Stockard reinstated probation and ordered all good-time credit to be forfeited.
Acea Michael Hardie Napora appeared for sentencing on the Category B Felony of Assault with a Deadly Weapon, to which he pleaded guilty on Aug. 19.
Chief Deputy District Attorney (CDDA) Lane Mills said, “Part of this happened down there in Mineral County, and part of it happened here. This defendant engaged in conduct that easily could have gotten him killed.” Mills said a tribal officer opened fire on Napora when he saw him backing up toward other officers. “This is a very serious case and this defendant easily could have been in a body bag.”
Churchill County Public Defender (CCPD) Jacob Sommer responded, “Acea is extraordinarily aware of what the state just said about the serious nature of this and consequences that could have happened.” Sommer said since being released the previous Tuesday after more than 500 days in custody, Napora had secured housing at the Lighthouse and found employment. “While it's only been a week, Your Honor, I think there’s some good things that are ahead of Mr. Napora.” Sommer asked the court to grant probation.
Napora addressed the court, stating, “I’ve taken responsibility for the actions that I portrayed that day. It was dishonorable to treat an officer like that.” He said he intends to keep moving forward and “keep rebuilding myself to be a better person,” apologizing for his actions.
Judge Stockard granted Napora probation on a suspended 28–72-month sentence and placed him on 36 months of probation, to run consecutively to the 24–60-month sentence in the Mineral County case.
Stockard concluded, “Just looking at this history, this conduct has to stop. One way or another.”
Kelsey Jordan Moore appeared for sentencing on the Category D Felony of Fraudulent Use of a Credit Card or a Debit Card, and the Category E Felony of Possession of a Controlled Substance (methamphetamine), to which she pleaded guilty on July 8. Both cases were continued to Oct. 21.
Christopher Alan Burnside, in custody, admitted to a technical sentencing violation.
CDDA Lane Mills said the state concurred with Parole & Probation’s recommendation for temporary revocation. APD Noel told the court his client recognized the violation and was accepting responsibility. Judge Stockard temporarily revoked Burnside’s probation and he was ordered to serve 30 days in custody.
Darrin Ray Dummer, in custody, pleaded guilty to the wobbler charge of Attempt to Commit Violation of an Extended Court Order Restricting Stalking or Harassment, punishable by either 364 days in jail and a fine of up to $2,000, or 1–4 years in prison and a fine of up to $5,000.
A Pre-Sentence Investigation (PSI) was ordered, and sentencing was set for October 28.
Dummer then admitted to a non-technical probation violation related to the same charge and to absconding, and a disposition hearing was set for October 28.
Judge Stockard provisionally placed Dummer into the Western Nevada Regional Specialty Court program.
Maverick Richards, in custody, appeared for a competency hearing. Judge Stockard noted the case was before the court following Richards’ return from Lake’s Crossing Center, where two evaluating doctors found him competent to proceed.
Deputy District Attorney Chelsea Sanford informed the court that Parole & Probation would be submitting discharge paperwork. Judge Stockard ordered Richards released later that day.
Julie Ann Hayden appeared for sentencing on the Category B Felony of Assault with a Deadly Weapon, to which she pleaded guilty on June 24.
DDA Priscilla Baker described the three-year relationship between Hayden and the victim as toxic and noted it produced two children. She said Hayden went to the victim's residence intending to harm both herself and him, bringing flammable materials including acetone and a firework. “He took off his shirt and ran down the street, away from their kids to keep them out of harm's way,” Baker said. “She followed and lit that firework.”
Hayden spontaneously told law enforcement she wished she had killed the victim, saying she wanted to “take him to hell with her.”
Baker read from the victim’s impact statement: “It has been extremely difficult to come to terms with the fact that I was assaulted by someone I trusted implicitly. Our four-year-old child was present and witnessed the entire event … No child should ever have to witness one parent assault another.” The victim said their child later said, “Why did mom hurt daddy? I’ll protect daddy from mom.” Baker added, “These are things that a four-year-old should never have to say or even think.”
The victim asked the court to hold Hayden accountable, expressing hope she receives the “treatment and the intense intervention she needs.” The state requested a sentence of 24–72 months in prison and that Hayden participate in Specialty Court as a condition of probation—not as a diversionary program.
CCPD Jacob Sommer acknowledged the seriousness of the offense, telling the Court, “We should treat this very seriously … seriously enough to impose consequences and punishment.” He argued that requesting diversion does not absolve accountability, but reflects a willingness to accept help. “What it does is illuminate someone’s ability to receive resources and opportunities that they desperately need.”
Sommer said Hayden was not competent at the time of the incident but later completed a 45-day inpatient program at New Hope Facility in California and was found competent to proceed. He added that a felony conviction would limit her ability to access further care. “Ms. Hayden is a wonderful young lady who … is devastated by her conduct and wants to get better,” he said. “I believe … the diversion program is intended for people like Julia who … wants to make it work.”
Hayden told the court she regrets her actions. Sommer also noted Hayden had recently been diagnosed with cancer and that Specialty Court staff were aware of her condition.
Judge Stockard granted Hayden probation on a suspended 28–72-month prison sentence and placed her on probation for 36 months. She was ordered to consult with a physician annually regarding her physical health and complete Specialty Court.
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