Tenth Judicial District Court

Jordan Albert Mauwee pleaded guilty to the Category D felony of Driving Under the Influence of an Intoxicating Liquor or a Controlled or Prohibited Substance, a Third or Subsequent Offense, punishable by 1–6 years in prison and a fine of $2,000 to $5,000. The charge carries a mandatory prison term unless the defendant applies for and is accepted into the DUI Diversion Program.

Court Services Director Brenda Ingram reported that Mauwee tested positive for benzodiazepines and THC on Jan. 23 and tested presumptively positive for THC on Feb. 5. However, Mauwee told the court he had not used marijuana since his release from custody approximately 25 days ago. Churchill County Deputy Public Defender Kenneth Tedford requested provisional placement into the DUI Diversion Program. 

Judge Stockard told Mauwee regarding his statement of non-use, “I'm very dubious based on that amount of time … but we’ll see.” He cautioned Mauwee, “If you're untruthful, that's inconsistent with that program.” Stockard provisionally placed him in the DUI Diversion Program, ordered a Pre-Sentence Investigation (PSI), and set sentencing for April 14.

Christopher Rodreguis Thomas appeared for sentencing on  Battery that Constitutes Domestic Violence Committed by Strangulation, a Category C felony punishable by 1–5 years in prison.

Deputy District Attorney (DDA) Priscilla Baker said that on Aug. 6, 2023, a neighbor called 911, reporting that a woman was screaming and breaking glass. Law enforcement responded and found Thomas had been drinking. He said he had been sleeping and was awakened by the victim. According to Baker, Thomas responded by attempting to strangle her. She screamed and fought back, kicking and breaking a window. Baker noted a similar prior domestic incident.

Las Vegas defense attorney Reno Aldabbagh told the court that it is unfortunate that someone can be judged by their life's worst mistake rather than by the totality of their contributions. He said Thomas takes full accountability and “he knows that he brought himself here through some choices.”

Aldabbagh stated that for 49 of Thomas’s 53 years, “he was a law-abiding, positive, contributing member of society.” He noted Thomas served eight years in the Navy, earned several awards before an honorable discharge, and then worked 21 years as an air traffic controller. Further, PTSD and anxiety contributed to alcohol use, and what he described as a volatile relationship between Thomas and the victim.

“I believe that who Chris has been of late is more indicative of who he’s been his entire life, for that entire 49 years,” said Aldabbagh, and not this three or four-year window where addiction, personal issues, and a toxic relationship combined and brought him here today.” He said Thomas has remained sober since his release, completed the ADTP program, performed 48 hours of community service, and has been accepted into Veteran’s Court. Aldabbagh asked for probation for Thomas, stating, “If he messes up, prison will be waiting for him. But if he is successful … we all win.”

Thomas addressed the court, stating, “I'm very apologetic for what happened, and very regretful. Powerful messages have been sent, and received.” He acknowledged the harm caused to others and assured the court, “This will never happen again.”

Judge Stockard granted Thomas probation on a 24–60 month suspended prison sentence, ordered restitution of $5,177 for extradition costs to be paid at $225 monthly. He must also complete Veteran’s Court, follow all treatment recommendations, and have no contact with the victim.

Jonathan Joshua Tullis, in custody, pleaded guilty to Assault with a Deadly Weapon, a Category B felony punishable by 1–6 years in prison and a fine up to $5,000, and to Battery that Constitutes Domestic Violence Committed by Strangulation, a Category C felony punishable by 1–5 years in prison and a fine up to $10,000. Judge Stockard ordered a PSI and set sentencing for April 14.

John Andrew Herrera, in custody, pleaded guilty to the Category B felony of Administration of a Controlled Substance to Aid in the Commission of a Crime of Violence, punishable by 1–20 years in prison. The offense also requires sex offender registration and lifetime supervision.

Herrera was initially charged last July with Sexual Assault, a Category A felony punishable by life in prison with the possibility of parole after 10 years, and Administering a Drug to Aid in the Commission of a Felony, a Category B felony punishable by 1–10 years in prison.

Judge Stockard noted that the Criminal Complaint charge indicates the underlying offense was allegedly sexually motivated. He ordered a PSI and set sentencing for Wednesday, April 15.

Heidi Ann Kelley, in custody, appeared for sentencing on the Category E felony of Possession of a Controlled Substance (methamphetamine), to which she pleaded guilty on Nov. 18.

Court Services reported that Kelley had been at New Frontier Treatment Center; however, she was not participating adequately. NFTC discharged her for failing to follow program rules and causing disruptions among other participants. After leaving the program, Court Services was unable to contact her, and a warrant was issued.

DDA Priscilla Baker reminded the court that this is a mandatory probation case. “Although there have been multiple violations of the Court Services, she hasn't actually violated the agreement for the state to then make any different argument,” said Baker, who did object to Kelley participating in the Western Regional Drug Court.

Defense attorney Paul Wolfe told the court his client’s record reflects that she struggles to maintain sobriety without structure. He noted a history of trauma and self-medication. Wolfe said Kelley is a lifelong addict who has repeatedly attempted recovery and is now receiving treatment for some of her issues.

The defense read from Kelley’s evaluation: “She has maintained sobriety only in a controlled environment. These symptoms require a highly structured, supportive, and supervised setting to ensure safety and stabilization.” Wolfe stated that Drug Court provides that level of structure and reported that Kelley has now been sober for 114 days.

Kelley told Judge Stockard, “I need the structure. I know that Drug Court works because when I did it before back in the early 2000s, that's what kept me clean for 13 years.”

Judge Stockard suspended proceedings and placed Kelley in Drug Court, ordered a she obtain a substance abuse evaluation and to follow all recommendations.

Rene Lucio Williams, in custody, appeared for sentencing on Possession of a Controlled Substance, a Category E felony punishable by 1–4 years in prison.

Churchill County Alternate Public Defender Wright Noel informed the court that Williams is currently on a parole hold. He said the case was a simple possession matter, stating, “Mr. Williams learned some things in prison and came back, spent some time in jail here, got out, was doing good. He was working at Jerry's as a cook, a job that he still has if the court grants him the privilege of probation.” Noel said Williams fell back into old habits and associations, but had been employed and involved in the community prior to his arrest. He asked the court to grant probation, describing the case as a reset opportunity.

Williams acknowledged that he “fell into a similar pattern of people in my life.” He said he is employed and no longer homeless, but admitted that when someone he knew offered him drugs at what he described as a reasonable price, “being the addict that I am, I took the deal. And that's just the honest truth.”

Judge Stockard granted Williams probation on a suspended 19–48-month prison sentence and ordered him to obtain a substance abuse evaluation and follow all treatment recommendations.

Lawrence Alvin Stone – Failed to appear for a sentencing violation hearing. Judge Stockard issued a no-bail warrant.

Jose Carlos Trujillo – sentencing hearing continued to Feb. 24.