Heidi Kelley, in custody, pleaded guilty to the Category E Felony of Possession of a Controlled Substance (methamphetamine), a first or second offense punishable by 1–4 years in the Nevada State Prison and a fine of up to $5,000. Judge Stockard set sentencing for Jan. 20.
Michelle Yvonne Read, in custody, pleaded guilty to Attempt to Commit Assault with a Deadly Weapon, a Category D Felony punishable by 1–5 years in prison and a fine of up to $10,000.
Churchill County Public Defender (CCPD) Jacob Sommer asked that Read be released on her own recognizance (OR). Deputy District Attorney Priscilla Baker did not object, noting the release would give Read "an opportunity to show the court that she is supervisable." The state also requested a no-contact order with the victims.
Judge Stockard granted OR release with Court Services supervision. Conditions include no use of alcohol or controlled substances, daily check-ins, random testing, and a clean test before release. He ordered a Pre-Sentence Investigation (PSI), set sentencing for Jan. 27, and ordered no contact with the victims.
Nike Salas, in custody, appeared for a status hearing. The matter was previously continued after he was unable to attend the Western Nevada Regional Specialty Court program through no fault of his own. CCPD Sommer told the court that Social Services staff developed a treatment plan following an evaluation by Jackie Burger, and that his office has worked to ensure Salas can continue in care after release. He said Salas has been in custody for 546 days.
Sommer noted the proposed plan includes counseling, medication management, and ongoing support, but acknowledged housing remains an issue. He said Salas wants to put into practice "the coping skills" he gained during prior treatment.
Senior Deputy District Attorney Lane Mills said the state's position had not substantially changed since the prior hearing. He asked that several conditions from the evaluation be required if Salas is reinstated on probation, including weekly counseling with weekly reports, full compliance with recommendations, signed HIPAA releases for medication reports, and consistent contact with his care provider. Mills said, "We see this individual as a potential risk," and argued the conditions were needed to mitigate that risk.
Judge Stockard expressed concern about Salas's housing situation, noting the need for a stable plan given the current weather. He reinstated Salas on probation with all conditions requested by the state and ordered him to coordinate immediately with Social Services regarding housing and health care. Salas must also report to the Division of Parole and Probation the same day.
Charlette Maria Brooks appeared for sentencing on two Category B Felonies of Battery by a Probationer, Parolee, or a Prisoner, along with a Misdemeanor charge of Battery Constituting Domestic Violence. Brooks pleaded guilty in August.
Deputy District Attorney Chelsea Sanford told the court Brooks has incurred two additional arrests since the incident before the court—one in Lyon County and another in Churchill County. Sanford described the original offense as a violent confrontation involving Brooks and her mother, followed by continued aggression when law enforcement arrived.
"Unfortunate circumstances happened that day," Sanford said. "It was unfortunate for the officers involved, and for this defendant's mother." She noted that Brooks spat on two officers and argued that "not all batteries result in bruises or open wounds. Some batteries, such as this one, are much more insidious." Sanford said Brooks tends to "lash out in inappropriate ways" when she feels cornered, and asked that if probation were granted, Brooks be ordered to serve at least 45 days in custody.
Churchill County Alternate Public Defender Wright Noel told the court that the Churchill County arrest occurred when Brooks went to the hospital and was placed on a legal hold without understanding she could not leave. When she attempted to exit, hospital staff physically restrained her, and the battery occurred. Noel said Brooks has issues worsened by substance abuse, but has made efforts to address both through inpatient treatment and AA attendance. The defense requested probation.
Brooks told the court, "I've come a long way, I have," and said she feels "terrible" about her actions, describing the behavior as out of character. She said she plans to seek employment, continue AA, attend church, and stabilize her mental health.
Brooks's mother gave a victim impact statement, saying the incident caused significant family stress. "I wish that it hadn't gone as far as it did," she said. She clarified that Brooks did not cut off her breathing but would not let go while apologizing. She said Brooks "has really, really been trying" and that she has seen a "big difference" since Brooks completed treatment. She told the court she does not want her daughter sent to prison: "I don't think it will do any good for her to go to prison."
Judge Stockard imposed two consecutive suspended 24–60 month sentences on the felony counts, for an aggregated 48–120 months, and placed Brooks on probation for 36 months, with the requirement to obtain a substance abuse evaluation and to follow all recommendations. He also ordered her to serve 45 days in the Churchill County Jail beginning immediately.
On the misdemeanor domestic violence charge, Brooks was sentenced to five days in jail, ordered to complete 48 hours of community service, attend weekly domestic violence counseling for at least six months at her own expense, and fined $200. She received credit for five days for time served.
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