New River Township Justice Court in Fallon convened on Friday, March 6, 2026, with Judge Benjamin Trotter presiding.
Michael Davis appeared in custody via Zoom from the Churchill County Jail regarding failure to comply with sentencing requirements in a prior case. Davis had previously been ordered to pay $435 in restitution within six months and had a 15-day jail sentence suspended for two years on the condition that he commit no further violations. Davis admitted he failed to meet the restitution requirement. Judge Trotter found him in civil contempt and ordered Davis to pay the $435 restitution within 90 days. The court also imposed a $500 fine and a 25-day jail sentence, both suspended for one year on the condition that restitution is paid in full. Davis received credit for three days for time served.
Patricia Tescon appeared via Zoom from custody on two cases involving unpaid fines. In a 2018 DUI case, Tescon still owed a $60 chemical analysis fee, and in a 2025 petty larceny case she owed $40 in restitution. Tescon told the court she had recently obtained employment and expected to begin work soon. Judge Trotter found her in civil contempt for failing to comply with sentencing requirements but allowed her 30 days to pay the $100 total balance. The court imposed a $500 fine and 25 days in jail, both suspended for 12 months on the condition that the balance is paid within 30 days.
Jeremy Dalpaz appeared in custody on several long-outstanding cases dating back to 2013 through 2017, including traffic citations and unpaid fines. Dalpaz entered guilty pleas to multiple traffic violations from 2014, including speeding and failure to wear a seat belt. The court imposed fines totaling $265 on those citations. The court also addressed several older cases with unpaid balances totaling $1,845, including charges related to resisting arrest, driving with a suspended license, and failure to appear. Judge Trotter noted the age of the cases and ordered Dalpaz to serve 24 days in jail to resolve all outstanding matters. He was given credit for time already served and is scheduled for release on March 25, 2026, at noon, with all cases considered satisfied upon completion of the sentence.
Marcelo Ochoa Santillanes appeared via Zoom out of custody with an interpreter for a status hearing on two counts of DUI with Substantial Bodily Harm (SBH), a Category B felony punishable by 2 to 20 years in prison and fines of $2,000 to $5,000.
Santillanes was represented by attorney Steve Evenson, while Deputy District Attorney (DDA) Priscilla Baker appeared on behalf of the state. Counsel informed the court that the victims had retained a private civil attorney and that the District Attorney’s office was still attempting to obtain an accurate restitution figure. As restitution will be a significant factor in resolving the case, the court continued the matter to May 26.
Harjit Singh appeared via Zoom with an interpreter and Deputy Public Defender Kenneth Tedford III for a status hearing on a charge of first-offense open or gross lewdness. Singh indicated through counsel that he intends to plead not guilty. Tedford informed the court there were also outstanding warrants connected to the matter. Judge Trotter agreed to quash one bench warrant and modify another to a Churchill County service area while the case proceeds. Tedford also advised the court that the defense is reviewing potential legal and collateral issues before moving forward. Trotter continued the matter to March 26.
Jeramie Anderson appeared for a status hearing regarding legal representation in a pending DUI. Anderson told the court he had recently been released from custody and had only recently returned to work, which limited his ability to obtain an attorney. He said he had been researching attorneys online and planned to continue doing so during his days off. The state did not object to a short delay. Judge Trotter continued the matter for one week to allow Anderson additional time to retain legal counsel and ordered him to return to court to report on his progress.
Miles Miner failed to appear for a scheduled hearing. According to information provided by the sheriff’s office, Miner had refused to cooperate with jail staff and declined to appear properly clothed for the hearing. Because of the defendant’s lack of cooperation, Judge Trotter ordered the matter set over for one week for further proceedings.
Kadee Meeko appeared in court for sentencing after previously pleading guilty to a reduced charge stemming from a family dispute. During the hearing, the victim provided a statement describing ongoing concerns about the defendant’s substance abuse issues and the impact the incident had on the family. Judge Trotter imposed a 10-day jail sentence, suspended for two years, on the condition that Meeko commit no new criminal violations. The court also ordered Meeko to complete substance abuse evaluations and have no contact with the victim. Meeko received one day of credit for time served.
Joshua Elderton appeared regarding compliance with a prior order related to a 2023 domestic battery case. The court had previously ordered Elderton to complete community service and provide weekly updates on his progress. Failure to comply resulted in charges of Failure by a Convicted Person to Comply, misdemeanor Failure to Appear After Admission to Bail, and Contempt of Court. During the hearing, Judge Trotter noted Elderton still owed 48 hours of community service. Judge Trotter instructed Elderton to continue submitting weekly updates to the court by Wednesday afternoons, or appear in court to explain any failure to report. The matter was set for a follow-up status hearing the following week to monitor compliance.
Anthony Cordova appeared with Alternate Public Defender Wright Noel for a status hearing in a pending criminal case related to charges of domestic battery, first offense, with the victim an older person. The parties informed the court they had not reached a resolution and requested the matter be set for trial. Noel formally requested a jury trial. The court instructed the defense to file the required jury trial demand and indicated that potential trial dates would be sent out by the clerk’s office.
Clay Erb appeared in court for a status hearing related to multiple cases that include charges of Possession of a Controlled Substance, Destroy or Conceal Evidence, Attempted Home Invasion, and Destroying or Injuring Real Property valued at $250 to $5,000. Defense attorney Steve Evenson informed the court that a plea agreement had already been entered in a related District Court matter but that a clerical error had included additional case numbers on the waiver form. The court corrected the record to reflect the proper case number and indicated that Justice Court matters would remain pending while the related district court case proceeds.
Justin Matheus appeared via Zoom from custody with counsel for a status hearing on two cases each alleging two counts of Domestic Battery by Strangulation. The parties informed the court they had not reached a negotiated resolution. APD Noel requested that the matter be set for a preliminary hearing and stated that Matheus would not waive his right to a hearing within 15 days. The court scheduled the preliminary hearing for March 11.
Nathan Hill appeared via Zoom with defense attorney Larry Dunn for a status hearing on charges of first offense DUI with two traffic citations. Dunn informed the court that they were working toward resolving the matter with Senior Deputy District Attorney Chelsea Sanford and requested additional time. Judge Trotter granted the joint request and continued the case to March 26.
Courtney Hyde appeared via Zoom with attorney Jenny Hubach for a status hearing on charges of Driving with a Suspended License and Open Container in a Vehicle. The state presented a plea offer that would require Hyde to plead to two counts with fines totaling $550 along with standard court costs. Defense counsel requested additional time to review the offer before making a decision. Judge Trotter set a status hearing for April 23.
Matthew Gavin appeared in court with Senior Deputy Public Defender Jeff Weed for a status hearing on a case alleging Possession of a Controlled Substance and Battery on a Protected Person. Weed informed the court that attorney Steve Evenson is representing Gavin on another case and the two cases will be handled separately. Judge Trotter set a status hearing for April 2 to allow Weed more time to consult with Gavin. A hearing for the other matter will be scheduled in coordination with Evenson’s Fallon appearances.
All individuals mentioned in this report are presumed innocent unless proven guilty in a court of law. Criminal charges represent allegations, and defendants are entitled to due process and the full protections afforded under the United States and Nevada constitutions.
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