Wolfson Granted Probation After Long Criminal History

Steven Kord Wolfson appeared for sentencing in the Tenth Judicial District Court in Fallon on Nov. 4. Wolfson pleaded guilty on Oct. 7 to Category B Felony of Possession of a Controlled Substance, which is punishable by 2-15 years in prison and a fine up to $50,000.  

Deputy District Attorney (DDA) Priscilla Baker told the court that on Aug. 30, 2024, Wolfson was stopped for speeding and was arrested for an active warrant. The deputy obtained a search warrant for the defendant’s vehicle, where officers found a glass pipe with residue, a small scale, 30 milligrams of oxycodone hydrochloride, numerous small black baggies, and 54 grams of methamphetamine. Baker said the state believed Wolfson intended to sell the methamphetamine and that he had a history of selling drugs.

According to Baker, Lyon County conducted three controlled buys from Wolfson, resulting in purchases of 9.5 grams, 29.24 grams, and 16.5 grams of methamphetamine. She cited his Lyon County Pre-Sentencing Investigation (PSA), in which the defendant claimed he was unemployed, did not support himself by selling drugs, and was “just helping a friend” in what he alleged was a setup.

Baker noted Wolfson has not worked since 2023, said he “won some money gambling,” and claimed he had no debt. Although he is now employed, Baker said he was not working at the time of the incidents in either Lyon or Churchill County. “It’s common sense he was supporting himself with sales of methamphetamine,” Baker argued.

She read Wolfson’s criminal history, which began in 1990 and included numerous offenses, including possession for sale and transporting, possession in 2003 and 2006, possession for sale in 2010, possession in 2014, selling and attempted trafficking in 2016, trafficking and possession of a stun gun in 2020, and new cases in 2024 in both Lyon and Churchill counties. Baker said Wolfson’s record also showed six probation violations and two parole violations.

“This defendant sells narcotics,” Baker said, asking for a sentence of 48–180 months in prison and closing with, “Not in our county.”

Churchill County Public Defender (CCPD) Jacob Sommer began his argument, “The defense agrees that this court should give a stiff penalty to Mr. Wolfson and run it consecutive to the Lyon County case. But certainly, it is no surprise for anyone that the defense is asking the court to place Mr. Wolfson on probation.”

Sommer said his client has been placed on probation by Lyon County and has been doing well, that he has been under Court Services supervision, tested regularly, and remained compliant for 130 days. He said Wolfson is employed and “has been working hard to change who he has been.”

Sommer told the court Wolfson recognizes his past behavior was “unacceptable and even shameful,” but that his conduct since arriving in Churchill County shows he is willing and able “to make it right—and the whole point of this justice system is to make sure that people never do this again.”

Sommer said probation would give Wolfson a chance to continue what he has begun. He read from a letter submitted by New Frontier Treatment Center, which stated that Wolfson has been in counseling since July 17, 2024, has undergone a comprehensive evaluation, and is receiving targeted case management, psychosocial rehabilitation, and peer support.

The letter stated, “We have found Steve to be a very willing participant, seeking appropriate goals, and making a solid foundation for his recovery. He is actively engaged in changing his old patterns of behavior and attitude.”

Sommer added, “To his credit, he has begun the process of showing this court the kind of man that he is going to be now, which is not the kind of man he was before.”

Wolfson told the court, “First off, I just want to say that I have made more than my share of mistakes in the past. But I am no longer that person.”

He said his eyes have been opened to the kind of person he was and that he is now attending NA and AA, being responsible, and living at the Lighthouse. “I realized where I was at, and I could see where I’m going. And I can assure you that I will not be anything of a menace to this society if given the opportunity,” he said, adding that all of his associates are now sober and he enjoys going to work every day.

Wolfson said he has no desire for drugs and views the community in “a whole different way now.” He ended his statement by saying, “I appreciate you listening. I hope you will allow me the opportunity of continuing on the road I am on currently.”

Judge Stockard granted probation on a suspended 72–180-month sentence and ordered Wolfson to obtain and follow the recommendations of his substance abuse evaluation. He imposed a $50,000 fine, suspending all but $1,000, payable within 12 months. A Search and Seizure Clause for contraband was authorized.

“Mr. Wolfson, that’s a large quantity of controlled substances and a very, very lengthy criminal history,” Stockard said. “The state was not wrong in asking what they asked for. You have shown some signs, for the first time, that maybe you can lean in a different direction. Change is proof over time, not over four months, so we’ll see.”