Leanna Lehman
The Tenth Judicial District Court convened Tuesday, Oct. 7, in Fallon with Judge Thomas Stockard presiding.
Cassandra Gale Davis appeared for arraignment on three charges: (1) Battery by a Probationer, Parolee, or Prisoner in Lawful Custody or Confinement (Deputy Chris Burton), a Category B felony punishable by 1–6 years; (2) Battery by a Probationer, Parolee, or Prisoner in Lawful Custody or Confinement (Deputy Abriel Bross), a Category B felony also punishable by 1–6 years; and (3) Battery Constituting Domestic Violence, a first offense, against her mother, a misdemeanor punishable by up to 364 days in jail. Davis pleaded guilty to all three counts. Judge Stockard ordered a PSI and set sentencing for Dec. 9, 2025. A separate probation review hearing was vacated and reset to that same date.
Timothy J. Fast appeared for arraignment on one count of Offer, Attempt, or Commission of an Unauthorized Act Relating to a Controlled or Counterfeit Substance, Second Offense — a Category B felony punishable by 2–10 years in prison and a fine of up to $10,000. The offense carries a mandatory prison sentence unless mitigating circumstances exist to warrant probation.
Fast was represented by Alternate Public Defender Wright Noel, who confirmed that a guilty plea memorandum had been filed. Judge Stockard acknowledged a PSI on file from Lyon County dated September 2025, but indicated that a new PSI may be warranted. The court set sentencing for Nov. 4, 2025.
Steven Kord Wolfson pleaded guilty to one count of Possession of a Controlled Substance, High-Level, a Category B felony punishable by 2–15 years in prison.
Churchill County Public Defender Jacob Sommer (CCPD) confirmed Wolfson had reviewed and signed a guilty plea memorandum and understood the charges and penalties. Judge Stockard accepted the plea and set sentencing for Nov. 4, 2025.
Daren Jesse Graham appeared for sentencing on the Category C felony of Burglary of a Business, punishable by 1–5 years in prison and a fine up to $10,000. He was represented by CCPD Jacob Sommer. Judge Stockard expressed concerns over Graham’s prior statements about contacting the district attorney’s office regarding a protective order. He clarified for the record that the protective order in question had expired. Sommer explained that Graham had been genuinely confused, believing a no-contact order remained in effect, and had attempted to comply by contacting law enforcement for a civil standby.
Chief Deputy District Attorney Lane Mills said that another domestic battery case involving the same individual was set for a hearing that afternoon, which may have contributed to the confusion. Stockard discussed the problematic nature of Graham’s ongoing contact with the individual involved, who was identified as his fiancée and also a felon.
Sommer argued that Graham had shown signs of improvement and could benefit from continued employment and accountability. Judge Stockard stated that due to pending developments in the related domestic battery case and questions about restitution and compliance, it would serve justice to delay sentencing. The court set sentencing for Jan. 6, 2026, and stressed that Graham must fully understand and comply with all court orders in the meantime.
Dominic Jesse Hatch appeared for sentencing on charges of Possession of a Controlled Substance for the Purpose of Sale, a Category D felony punishable by 1–4 years in prison, and Illegal Transfer of a Firearm without a Background Check, a gross misdemeanor punishable by up to 364 days in jail. Judge Stockard asked Hatch if he wanted to enter Drug Court. When Hatch said yes, Stockard cautioned him about honesty and accountability within the program, telling him, “Nothing will get you in more trouble in drug court than dishonesty. In fact, if you cheat on a drug test—if I can, I’ll send you to prison. If you come in and tell me honestly that I slipped up, you’re going to get a lot more grace.”
Stockard encouraged Hatch to take full advantage of the diversion opportunity, saying, “You want to get the benefits of diversion, which are enormous, to have no felony on your record, you’ve got to do the work. There are no shortcuts.”
Stockard suspended proceedings and placed Hatch on probation, ordered him to complete the Western Regional Drug Court, and to comply with all recommendations from his substance abuse evaluation.
Christy Jo Hinch, in custody, appeared for a custodial status hearing. Hinch previously pleaded guilty to the wobbler charge of Attempt to Possess a Controlled Substance, which may be sentenced as either a Category D felony punishable by 1–4 years in prison or a gross misdemeanor, punishable by up to 364 days in jail. Court Services reported Hinch was released in April, returned to custody after a positive alcohol test on May 22, re-released on May 29, and then failed to appear for court on June 24. A $25,000 warrant was issued, and she was arrested on Sept. 17. The court acknowledged ongoing financial hardship as a barrier to Hinch appearing in court.
Judge Stockard granted Hinch release on her own recognizance (OR) but warned that probation and diversion are privileges requiring full compliance. The judge will determine at sentencing whether to treat the offense as a felony or misdemeanor based on Hinch’s conduct leading up to Dec. 2.
Brian Todd Webb pleaded guilty to Attempt to Commit Possession of a Controlled Substance, a wobbler charge punishable either as a Category E felony by 1–4 years in prison, or as a gross misdemeanor punishable by up to 364 days in jail. Senior Deputy District Attorney (SDDA) Chelsea Sanford said the case stemmed from a broader criminal episode with a vehicle stop and search. Deputy Public Defender (DPD) Hampton Young stated the case involved constructive possession. In this situation, a person does not have physical possession of a controlled substance but is still considered to legally possess it because they knew of its presence and had control over it or the area where it is found. Young said drugs were discovered in his client’s vehicle, but there was no direct link to Webb. Young added that Webb, 49, had lived in Austin, Florida, for years and faced severe financial hardship, selling personal property to travel to court.
Stockard sentenced Webb to 364 days in Churchill County Jail, suspended, and ordered him to obtain a substance abuse evaluation within 30 days and follow all recommendations.
Stephen Gainey pleaded guilty to one count of Attempt to Commit Mail Theft, a wobbler offense punishable either as a Category E felony by 1–4 years in prison and a fine up to $5,000, or as a gross misdemeanor, punishable by up to 364 days in jail. Under the terms of the plea agreement, Gainey agreed to be sentenced to an E felony. APD Wright Noel stated that a guilty plea memorandum had been filed and signed. Judge Stockard ordered a pre-sentence investigation (PSI) and set sentencing for Dec. 9, 2025.
Vincent Allen Austin appeared for a hearing regarding a technical probation violation. He was represented by CCPD Jacob Sommer. The violation report, filed Oct. 7, 2025, cited alcohol use with a blood alcohol content of 0.22. Deputy District Attorney Priscilla Baker noted the state’s concern and asked that the division file a violation report for any future alcohol use immediately.
CCPD Sommer advised the court that Austin submitted paperwork for a background check as part of his effort to secure employment and expressed his intent to comply with outstanding obligations, including completing a substance abuse evaluation. Austin told the court he had been doing well but admitted he “needed a break,” referring to sobriety.
Judge Stockard temporarily revoked Austin’s probation and ordered him to serve 30 days in custody. He received 15 days of credit for time served and was ordered to serve the remaining 15 days. The court ordered the forfeiture of any good time credit and reinstated Austin on probation under the same conditions following his release. The judge emphasized that any future alcohol-related violations must be brought back before the court.
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