Tenth Judicial District Court Tuesday, October 20 Judge Thomas Stockard Presiding

The Tenth Judicial District Court convened Tuesday, Oct. 21, with Judge Thomas Stockard presiding.

Steven Dwayne Smith was not present in court for his scheduled arraignment. Judge Stockard issued a $1,000 cash-only bench warrant.

Angela Marie Garcia pleaded guilty to Failure to Appear After Admission of Bail or Release Without Bail, a Category D Felony punishable by one to four years in the Nevada State Prison and a fine up to $5,000. Judge Stockard ordered a Pre-Sentence Investigation (PSI) and set sentencing for Dec. 30.

Donnie Lee Brown, in custody of the Nevada Department of Corrections (NDOC), appeared for sentencing on the Category C Felony of Burglary of a Business, to which he pleaded guilty in April.

Churchill County Public Defender (CCPD) Jacob Sommer stated that Brown is currently serving time on a Nye County case. “This was obviously a situation Donnie regrets,” said Sommer. “We’re talking about a theft of goods from a local business, and the amount of restitution is less than $400,” he said, requesting the sentence run concurrently with Brown’s Nye County case. According to Sommer, his client plans never to repeat this type of behavior or inflict this kind of harm on anyone else.

Judge Stockard sentenced Brown to 12–36 months in prison to run consecutive to the sentence he is currently serving and ordered restitution of $365.21.

Kelsey Jordan Moore appeared for sentencing on charges of Fraudulent Use of a Credit Card or a Debit Card, a Category D Felony, and Possession of a Controlled Substance (methamphetamine), a Category E Felony. Each is punishable by 1-4 years in prison. Moore pleaded guilty to both charges in August.

CCPD Jacob Sommer told the court, “Your Honor, it’s no surprise to this court about the depth and the consequences of substance abuse, addiction, drug use, and all of the things that come as a result of it.” He explained that his client was struggling with substance abuse issues at the time of the incidents and made some inappropriate and damaging decisions. Sommer said that since then, Moore has made positive changes, has paid restitution, remained compliant with the court’s orders, and is currently residing in Churchill County, trying to find work so she can move forward with her life. He said she has good goals and dreams and asked for probation, minimum terms on both cases, and that the sentences run consecutively.

Moore told Judge Stockard, “I just hope that I can get an opportunity to make a difference” with what she has learned. She said she wants to write a book and be an inspirational speaker.

Judge Stockard granted Moore probation on consecutive suspended sentences of 14–44 months on the first count and 12–36 months on the second. He further ordered Moore to obtain a substance abuse evaluation and follow its recommendations. Stockard told the defendant, “Miss Moore, you have some lofty goals, and I hope you have the ability to carry through. I look forward to reading your book and attending one of your lectures.”

Jordan Anthony Lopez appeared for sentencing on the Category B Felony of Ownership or Possession of a Firearm by Certain Prohibited Persons, punishable by one to six years, to which he pleaded guilty in August.

Churchill County Alternate Public Defender (APD) Wright Noel told the court that his client recognizes he did wrong and that he should not have had the gun. Noel asked Judge Stockard for probation, saying he had seen a really positive change in his client, who is also seeking work after being let go once his employers complete his background check.

Lopez told the court, “I’m not discouraged from finding a job just because I was let go. I’ve been very welcoming to change in my life.” He said he has been looking into therapy and attending NA and AA meetings.

Judge Stockard granted probation on a suspended sentence of 19–48 months and ordered Lopez to obtain and follow the recommendations of a substance abuse evaluation. Stockard told Lopez, “I think there’s a lot of hope for the future.”

Charlette Mariah Brooks appeared for sentencing on two Category B Felonies of Battery by a Probationer, Parolee, or a Prisoner, and on the Misdemeanor charge of Battery Constituting Domestic Violence, to which she pleaded guilty in August.

Chief Deputy District Attorney (CDDA) Chelsea Sanford first addressed a Court Services violation in which Brooks failed to appear for drug testing. However, Court Services Director Brenda Ingram reported that Brooks was in New Frontier Treatment Center at the time. Additionally, the matter of cannabis use arose. Brooks said she has a medical marijuana card for high anxiety. Stockard told her that, nevertheless, she is not to use marijuana.

Sanford also stated that Brooks has a warrant for a new charge from Justice Court, which the Churchill County Sheriff’s Office confirmed.

Judge Stockard ordered Brooks to be taken into custody on the Justice Court warrant. He modified the conditions of release on this case, continued sentencing to Nov. 18, and ordered a supplemental PSI by Nov. 4.

Chaz James John, in custody of the State of Nevada, admitted to the non-technical sentencing violation of absconding. Judge Stockard revoked John’s probation and imposed the two underlying consecutive sentences of 19–48 months.

Jordan Adam Cunnington pleaded not guilty to the Category C Felony of Non-Support of a Spouse, Former Spouse, or a Child, punishable by one to five years in prison and a fine up to $10,000. Cunnington waived his right to a speedy trial. The court set a jury trial for Apr. 29–May 1, 2026.

Christopher Alan Burnside, in custody, admitted his second technical sentencing violation.
Deputy District Attorney Ryan McCormick asked for a 60-day revocation of Burnside’s probation. McCormick said the state understands the defendant has an alcohol problem; however, he had a knife and was brandishing it in a threatening manner.
Alternate Public Defender (APD) Wright Noel told the court his client recognizes his alcohol problem and was celebrating getting a job. Noel said he would rather see the defendant receive treatment than jail time and asked that Burnside’s probation be reinstated with the added condition of inpatient treatment.

Burnside expressed he was worried about his tent and bike, that he fears they are probably gone.

Judge Stockard temporarily revoked Burnside’s probation for 60 days.