Tenth Judicial District Court Dec. 2

The Tenth Judicial District Court convened Tuesday, Dec. 2, in Fallon before Judge Thomas Stockard.

Sean Berton Duffy pleaded guilty to Battery Causing Substantial Bodily Harm, a Category C Felony punishable by 1–5 years in prison and a fine up to $10,000. Churchill County Alternate Public Defender (APD) Wright Noel asked that Duffy be considered for the Western Nevada Regional Specialty Court. Judge Stockard ordered a Pre-Sentence Investigation (PSI), set sentencing for Feb. 3, and provisionally placed him in the program.

Stefanie Marie Bousquet appeared for sentencing on Possession of a Controlled Substance, First or Second Offense, and Driving Under the Influence, both of which she pleaded guilty to on Oct. 14.

DDA Baker stated that the state did not oppose Drug Court on Count I, noting that Bousquet had performed well during provisional placement. On Count II, she requested a 180-day suspension and a $400 fine.

Churchill County Public Defender (CCPD) Jacob Sommer said Bousquet was actively engaged in Drug Court and “has made a complete change in her life.” Bousquet told the court the program improved her coping skills and that she wants to do better for her son.

Judge Stockard suspended proceedings on Count I, placed her on 12 months’ probation, ordered a substance abuse evaluation, and officially placed her in the Western Regional Drug Court Program. On Count II, he sentenced her to 14 days in jail with 14 days’ credit for time served and imposed the statutory DUI fine. “You have been doing really well,” Stockard told her.

Rachel Nicole Brown was not present for her scheduled sentencing hearing for Attempted Burglary of a Business. Court Services Director Brenda Ingram said Brown complied with daily check-ins. CCPD Sommer said he could not explain her absence and noted she had paid restitution. Judge Stockard issued a $25,000 cash-only warrant.

Christy Jo Hinch appeared for sentencing on Attempt to Possess a Controlled Substance, Low Level. Senior Deputy District Attorney (SDDA) Chelsea Sanford told the court that Hinch tested positive for methamphetamine that morning. Judge Stockard revoked her pre-trial release and remanded her with $10,000 cash-only bail.

Joseph Robert Keller appeared for sentencing on Possession of a Controlled Substance (methamphetamine), a Category E Felony punishable by 1–4 years in prison. CCPD Sommer and SDDA Sanford supported diversion. Keller, who was provisionally attending Drug Court, said, “I cannot say enough about the drug court program; it’s amazing.” Judge Stockard suspended proceedings, placed him on probation, and ordered him to complete the Western Regional Drug Court Program.

Mekyel Kenneth Tybo, in custody, pleaded guilty to Failure to Stop on the Signal of a Peace Officer, a Category B Felony punishable by 1–6 years in prison and a fine up to $5,000. Judge Stockard ordered a PSI and set sentencing for Feb. 3, 2026. Tybo’s Sentencing Violation Hearing for an earlier methamphetamine case was also continued to that date. 

Roland Moore pleaded guilty to the Category E Felony of Possession of a Controlled Substance (cocaine), punishable by 1-4 years in prison. A PSI was ordered, and the court set sentencing for Feb. 3.

Tyler Cody Taylor appeared for sentencing on two Gross Misdemeanor charges of Battery on an Officer, Provider of Health Care, School Employee, Taxicab Driver, Transit Operator, or Sports Official, to which he pleaded no contest on Oct. 28.

Chief Deputy District Attorney (DDA) Lane Mills requested $5,565 in restitution. Mills told the court the case largely stemmed from Taylor’s history of substance abuse. He said law enforcement found Taylor curled up on the ground, and when officers approached and woke him, an altercation ensued. Mills noted Taylor has been under Court Services supervision and has performed well. The state requested probation to ensure Taylor remains on his current path.

Defense attorney Steve Evenson concurred with the state’s assessment, saying his client understands what is at stake and has made significant progress. “I have nothing but praise for what he’s done now and what he is going to do in the future,” Evenson said.

Taylor addressed the court, saying, “I just want to thank you for the opportunity. I mean, I really got an opener. Everybody has a different bottom; I found my bottom you know and I found my bottom.” He told the court he is ready to demonstrate he can succeed on his own and credited his support system, including Court Services, the District Attorney’s Office, and his attorney.

Judge Stockard imposed a suspended sentence of 364 days in jail on each charge, to run concurrently. He ordered restitution in the full amount, to be paid at $600 per month. Judge Stockard placed Taylor on probation for 12 months and ordered him to obtain and follow the recommendations of a substance abuse evaluation.